May 2011

These are rumors that have been heard in and around their respective locations.

Rumors are often just that. Rumors. But sometimes even a rumor bears with it a single grain of truth.

Magincia -

Iron, Lumber and Stone are being imported into Magincian ports in increasing quantities. While some hail this as the rebirth of a major Britannian trade post, others in Court whisper their fears of sedition. Some fear Magincia might become too powerful for its own good, in an era when Britannia can no longer man its own outposts and depends on mercenaries from the Border Kingdoms to defend its Cities.

Men wearing the Colors of the Britannian Guard have been met with hostile looks and remarks from Magincian Citizens. Those in power have seen fit to remind the Guard that it is more than capable of defending its own.

The Chimera - reported to be responsible for assaults on Britannian merchant vessels - has been seen patrolling the waters between Magincia and Britain.

When True Night Falls: The End of the Plague WarderDragon - The Freeborn Press

Three nights have passed since Corporal Brackus - leading a mob of armed Britannians - descended upon the Winchester farm near Serpent's Spine. John Winchester, son of the late Trisha, was wanted for his alleged connection to the Plague, the infected grain having been traced to his homestead.

There the gathered discovered John - in the throws of madness, more beast than man - and his sister, Alma. Brackus announced his crimes, a traitor to the realm, and his arrest. The girl, distraught and enraged, flung herself between her brother and the arresting officer, pleading for him not to harm the demoniac. He was possessed, she claimed, and was innocent of crimes he was being accused. In the confusion, however, Alma was struck down, sending her calmed brother into a berserker's rage. If not for the quick work of Silverbrook, more blood might have been shed that night.

As Brackus chained the thrashing man and led him out, Alma pleaded her case, managing to convince those gathered to at least allow her to prove her brother's innocence. She explained that she had become sick, months earlier, with an illness that bore with it the kiss of death. No healer, no Priest nor Magus seemed able to cure her of her ailment. Having just lost their mother, John was not about to accept the death of Alma, and thus he sought out a Practitioner of the Black Art - the Liche, Jehudial - who promised a cure in exchange for portion of John's soul.

A portion he would later use to control the man from afar.

Alma led the gathered to Felucca, where a man provided the location of Jehudiel the Liche, and the means to defeat him. The gathered, unconvinced but willing to make the attempt, followed him to Ilshenar, where Jehudiel was waiting for them. A short battle ensued. Using the Spells provided to them, the gathered were able to sever Jehudiel's ties to his minions, causing them to loose control and turn on their Master.

Alma returned to Britain with those who followed her, and proclaimed that Jehudiel was dead. John, having returned to normal, was proof of the deed. But despite having defeated the source of the Plague, someone had to answer for the hundred dead.

John was carried off to Yew Prison, after assuring his sister he would be alright. The man awaits trial. He is expected to be executed for his crimes.

As you might remember, we have announced the Talents of Sosaria at the end of April and so far we have collected some amazing artworks. Now it’s time to share the first of them and we’ll do so by releasing one per day for the next two weeks.

The first picture comes from the shard Drachenfels. Queenie (aka Arow) captured the ‘Assault on Castle British’.

Make sure to come back tomorrow for the next picture. You can also find an overview of all artworks as we release them in our dedicated Facebook album.

Players were having issues with not being able to complete the Fishmonger Quests or not being able to recall to their boat. To stop this from happening to you, please dry dock your boat and you will once again be able to complete the quest.

Asmonos and Captain Bob sat at the big desk. They were swamped with all manner of problems. Things like the robbery of the Museum, the goats at old Oz’s house, the missing Silverware from the foundry, brigands stealing from that Gargoyle, and now “zombies” seen in Tokuno. Bob looked at Amonos and commanded.” Send out some scouts. We need to know what is happening.”

Brig Din Em the Mage, Buck, Angelina and Ixtab sat in the front row waiting to hear what Daniel had to tell us today. We had all been working hard to solve the mysterious death of the Jockey Farley but we were no further ahead. Ivester and Draconic were wondering if we should hold Tara’s tribunal tonight. It was a possibility as no one really thought she could have done it.

Daniel entered from the west side of the hall. He asked if we had been practicing our sleuthing. Oh that was right, we were all in training. Seemed like a lifetime ago that I signed up to learn the skills needed to scout, spy or investigate. My mind had been very focused on finding Farley’s murderer.

“Has anyone brought any food to Tara? Fresh fruit or vegetables?” ask Daniel “We know she is not guilty and many of you were worried about her. Jocelyn, Dipswitch and Curiner all shook their heads.

Then Jocelyn piped up, “I suppose I was thinking there might be a jailor there doing that. But Mum brought her cookies!”

“She is Vegan so as long as there was no egg or butter in them. Who knows what is in jail food? We will see about getting her in better quarters later today.

Now, Min brought up some points last time that I would like elucidated. I want to be clear about these issues she brought up. I understand she has been pensive and sitting about the race track. Shall we talk to her?”

I said absolutely at the same time as Dipswitch said yes indeed so we set off to find L’il Min.

Daniel must have a wonderful "Eyes and Ears" network. It took no time for us to find L’il Min on the North side of the track. She sat staring into space.

Cinderella walked up to her and sat down on the adjacent stool.

“Hello Min.” she said in a quiet voice.

Min looked around as though noticing our presence for the first time. Then she crossed her arms “Have you released Tara yet or are you still going to have the Tribunal.”

Dalila Pointed out that a tribunal would help Tara see that she was innocent as well.

Min looked very distraught. “Tara did not do this. I tell you. You should be looking for Farley’s whip.”

“Why are you so sure about the whip?” Inquired Lucky Charms

“Because If Farley had been riding, like colt said, He would have had his whip.” stated Min emphatically.

Dalila then asked, “Do you think Colt was telling the truth?”

“I do. I told you I saw Farley’s Body when you first discovered him. He had marks on his neck.” She confirmed her story from the week before.

Lucky charms wanted to know more about this. “You said his neck looked like it had rope burn. Did anyone else see this?”

“Rope burns really hurt.” Observed Jocelyn

Min sighed, “I believe Harold saw that too. He was also at the track when the body was found.”

We glanced around but Harold was not in immediate sight.

It was Lucky Charms who finally found him and asked him to come speak with us. As the two approached we could see that Harold rolled his eyes. “Did you release Tara? I can not believe anyone would blame her.”

Daniel Ravens frowned. “We did not blame her. She confessed. Now do you remember marks on Farley’s neck?”

“Yes but I did not think much of it. Could have been love bites you know?” He seemed to be dismissing the evidence.

Tiny looked right at him. “L’il Min said rope burns not Love bites.”

“Could have been, if I had been looking I might have thought that.” He responded.

Cyanide wondered aloud, “Why weren’t you looking?”

“I was talking to Cayne. I wanted my money back. Go ask him. He is at home right now.”

Neptune concurred. He had seen Cayne when he was searching for Harold.

Cayne stayed in the plaster house just south of the tracks. When we arrived he was eating a roasted bird and hot potatoes. The aroma filled my nostrils and my stomach grumbled. Daniel quickly told me I needed to learn to control that as a noise when one is spying could have fatal consequences. I nodded in agreement.

Lavis looked at Daniel and said, “This story does not add up. Last time we spoke to Harold he said he was with Xarra and Cayne was in Trinsic.”

Miri said, “Indeed we need to talk to Cayne!”

As we entered Cayne’s home he jumped up to greet us. “I am so glad you are here! My other book has gone missing. The one I had just finished with my odds written in it. I keep very careful record of these books. I think it was stolen.”

“Who would steal it,” questioned Lexmark, “and why?”

“Any number of people who I have odds on or against would. Not Tara, she is in jail still, Xarra, Farriot, Marrianne, Everyone.”

Draconic Mayhem was puzzled. “You kept odds on Xarra? I thought you were dating her! I am shocked!”

“It was from before. It is an old book. I think it was Farriot.”

“Why Farriot?” Demon Spawn asked.

“He had the most to lose. Go search his place.”

We agreed to go to Moonglow. It seemed strange that Farriot was a target now. Were they trying to push suspicion on him? Perhaps Frame him. Or was it truth. We needed to find out. Miri kept hoping one of them would speak out and be honest. I agreed.

Farriot had been told to stay near his home but he was no where to be found. Rasesar Wej took out a lock pick and soon we were searching through all of Farriot’s things. Daniel had asked that we do a careful but thorough job. He did not want Farriot to know we had been there. I remembered our lesson “cover our tracks!”

Rasesar Wej was in the bedroom when we heard him say “very interesting.”

Neptune pointed out to everyone “last entry say keep people away from Xarra!”

Draconic Mayhem knew we were getting close. “Let’s go to Xarra!”

“Sounds like Xarra is the key.” Agreed Ansatsu eagerly.

Daniel Ravens looked at us and said, “I think we need to talk to Tara and get her some food. Could be that Xarra is the key but it is getting late and I want to be sure Tara is alright. Besides we know where Xarra is. She is in Trinsic, Shopping.”

Tara was still in the Yew prison. We traveled there magically and quietly climbed the stairs. At the top in an area for visitation we spied both Xarra and Tara. This was a great opportunity for us to practice our sleuthing skills as well as gain perhaps valuable intel. I could not help but wonder why these two very different women were together.

Cyanide was surprised too “ah HA~!” he put his finger to his lips. “Shhhh!”

“This looks promising,” whispered Neptune.

“We should sneak up and kill them both” said Lucky.

Katrina shook her head “uh oh. Listen.”

So we did. And it sounded much like this:

Tara: *puts face in hands*

Xarra: I am going to break you out. You did not do this! You are too gentle.

Tara: I could have done it. You heard me I pushed him.

Xarra: Tara where did he bump his head?

Tara: at the paddock!

Xarra: I mean did you push him from the front or back? where did he hit his head

Tara: I pushed his chest he hit the back of his head.

Xarra: See there. The dent in the Helmet is in the front. and he was stabbed too!

Tara: Stabbed? Is that why they kept asking about my pitch fork? Well if it was not me then who?

Xarra: I saw Tara! I saw! I am so very afraid! He knows I did! He threatened me.

Tara: Who saw! What did you see? I am confused here. Who is threatening you?

Xarra let out a small sob and spoke very quickly He said he would kill me then gave me money to say nothing. So I shop and I say nothing. I have nightmares all the time now. Tara: Me too. What do you dream?

Xarra: That all my purchases animate and slap me around. Imagine very hard!

I could not help but close my eyes and imagine. I opened my eyes when I heard

Katrina screamed “Snakes! I dream of snakes.”

Miri started bustling Tara and Xarra into the back saying “The Guard will protect you!” the room was in chaos.

Tara screamed “Oh my!” as a frantic Tailor rushed in and took a stab at her with his sewing needle.

Want to go hunting but don't have a big enough group? Are you looking for good guides to dungeons you've yet to explore?

The community hunts are open to everyone! Come show your support for the Lake Superior community and take a walk on the wild side at the same time. Meet some new and old friends and have a bit of a challenge along the way.

Community Peerless Hunt Date: Wednesday, June 1stTime: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: Skara Brae Community Center - located next to the bankHost: Taeara Mi'Aken

As we had some technical problems during our fishing event (22.05), I've decided to run the event the whole week (29.05  05.06). That means you can get your fishing pool calmly ready, and go fishing. Please drop the rare fishes in one of the mailboxes at the counselors hall or at the reward museum.

All (and I mean all) fishes (no trophies) caught before or at the date of 05.06.2011 (not later) will be accepted!

Please submit just one fish per species!

Beergarden:

Yes, you will have it back! I will try to rebuild it during the next month, please don´t nail me down on a fix date!

WBB Bank:

Yes the bank will be finished! I am after it, but I can´t tell you exactly when this will happen.

Counselors Hall:

I want to refurnish the hall, and give her a new look. For suggestions and wishes I am grateful, but I reserve the right to realize my own ideas. *grins* I also want to give the Counselors Hall a new name. So better come up with something, otherwise I will just rename it to: Consume, Supermarket or Chinky!

Professor Grimm found another track that would help us to find the mysterious stranger. Many of us know what to expect from previous encounters with these strange creatures that have come out of the Limbus. A large crowd was waiting at the counselors hall when the Professor arrived.

Pleased with the large number of people that gathered in the meeting place the Professor started to talk:

"This time i only found a track coming from the Limbus. We must follow this track and try to find out what secret that lay behind it. I haven't got the slightest clue where this will lead us to and what is there waiting for us. So it could be there is nothing. But we also could find ourselves ambushed by loads of enemies. Now be ready for whatever may await us and arm yourself respectively."

Grimm gave everyone a few more minutes to get battle ready. Shortly after the professor opened a gate to the limbus. Near the limbus we found a trail of breadcrumbs.

We followed the trail leading out the twisted passages that leads out of the mountain near the City of Wind. Then we saw something very strange! First i thought i been drinking of Captain Seoman's Rum but i was pretty sure i saw a floating giant cookie! When we moved closer these cookies where very aggressive and they started to attack the party.

These killer cookies where pretty hard! I had many encounters with strange creatures but this must have been the most strange one in all my adventures! We killed the cookies and it was time to follow the breadcrumbs again. When we came near the Chaos Shrine more cookies attacked us.

I was so confused. Do i have to fight them or eat them!

We moved northwards towards the road.

It was a good thing that we all worked well together. We passed the Inn and moved over a bridge.

We kept following the trail of breadcrumbs. We seemed heading to Yew.

The breadcrumbs leaded to the Moongate in Yew. This could be a problem. If they took the Moongate they could have gone anywhere. Grimm went to check it out first. When he came back he discovered the breadcrumbs leaded into Ilshenar at the Humility Shrine. We stepped trough and more Killer Cookies attacked us. I got a serious blow to the head.

After defeating the cookies one of them dropped a rune. Would this rune leads us to where the breadcrumbs are leading us?

Grimm wanted to use the rune and open a gate for us to go trough but it seem that it would take a lot of power and that it would weaken him a lot.

Grimm had to find another way to get us to the end of the breadcrumb trail. We investigating the rune the professor discovered the location where the rune would lead too. He would lead us trough Ilshenar. Along the way we had to fight several different monsters.

Soon enough more killer cookies showed up. Time to fight them again. We now must be close to our destination. Then a strange looking Witch appeared. She was not very pleased we have found her!

She ran away from us into a hut! We saw a strange tree inside.... it seemed to be made out of candy!

When i tried to touch the tree i was teleported to a strange place! It seemed that everything here was made out of candy!

A woman was prisoned inside the house. Her name was Gretel. She said the witch have captured her and her brother. There was no sign of her brother at all. But Gretel told us a terrifying truth. The witch have eaten him!

The house and everything around here looks so tasty. We had a long fight to get here and started to get hungry. All this candy was hard to resist for us all. Everyone started to take a bite out of pieces in and around the house. The furniture went and soon followed windows,doors and even the trees outside. The witch started to scream that we had to stop to eat her house!

The candy was so addictive there was no stopping us to eat it all. The Witch was furious and started to turn on us.

The Witch was as hard as her killer cookies but like her cookies she crumbled before the parties strength. Gretel was free and it was time to take her home. First we where confused where to take her. But Walter came up with the idea that her home was back inside the Limbus.

Gretel was happy we saved her but before she left she was not happy we came late to safe her brother too. Thats is a problem in this world, we can not safe everyone! Before she left she gave Walter a scroll.

It was time to head back to Professor Grim at the counselors hall. The Professor carefully placed the 3rd scroll with the other two.

It looks that we are coming closer to the identity of the mystery person.

We will come back again to help the professor to find him. For now it was time to go home and try to get some sleep. I'm not sure if i can sleep at all with all the sugar in my blood! And i have a feeling that several of us have to see a dentist!

For many moons now Ninjas have had a place in the land of Great Lakes. In the past many made thier homes in the city of Zento, but that was then...this is now. It appears a deadly black ninja has been causing havoc recently in Felucca. Most famously was the killing and death he caused to a player named Tami Does Tram. A death is a death but A Black Ninja recorded the death of the infamous Tami Does Tram and posted the video on Youtube and other locations causing a sensation for some.

Last night A Black Ninja killed a group of -Y- Guild members doing a Fel spawn and yes.....A Black Ninja made a video.

Today A Black Ninja made an appearance at the Brit Bank to brag of his killing, video and appeared to want some sort of adulation for his deeds.

This braggart caused many to comment that a hiding template is a joke for a real fighter. I overheard one person say " Play a real template then you can run your mouth". A Black Ninja's reply was, " Poor loser I suppose ".

Rumor has it that A Black Ninja has several characters with the same name. Also that he has characters in both DC* ( the badest guild in Fel supposedly ) and -Y- ( the biggest and badest guild in Tram supposedly ). Regardless this player is having great fun even if he may be fame hungry.I look forward to crossing paths with this ninja again and hopefully I will get a kiss rather than death by him.

Zapp has held several IDOCs in the past on Great Lakes. They were all well planned and well attended. I found this note in my letterbox this morning.

Miss Lava,

Hello, just wanted to let you know about my next planned IDOC.It will be this Saturday the 28th around 7pm CST.I will place runes for it around the lands.Like last time the runes will be to a decoy house, so that no one can place an IDOC loot house.I plan on having around 40+ mill in many small checks, plus maybe 40+ mill in goodiesso that every one that shows up will have a chance at getting some goodies.

Thanks, Zapp

This evening I stopped by the IDOC plot and there are more riches than Zapp stated in his note to me. Below is a sneak preview. Enjoy and happy grabbing !

Sorry for the extended delay in the games, everyone! EM Aname and myself have gone back to the drawing board and whipped up some grand plans for LS. We cannot wait to discuss our ideas with you all in coming weeks… but first, we have the 2011 Britannian Games in progress!

Join us at the Luna Fairgrounds this coming Tuesday for back-to-back athleticism. First, archery! Test your marksmanship against the best bowmen in the land. Time permitting, we will have a short break, then follow up with the Sport of Kings…. horse racing!

Come out and represent your facet in the Games, or simply cheer on your favorite athlete!

Archery competition – Tuesday, May 31 @ 7pm CST / 8pm EST

Horse racing – Tuesday, May 31 @ 9pm CST / 10pm EST

For both events, we will be meeting at the Luna Fairgrounds. Gate will be provided at New Haven bank.

The medal count after the first two Games (Dungeon run and Thief competition):

It’s a beautiful Spring Day in Fairfax before a long weekend … Memorial Day weekend. We have prepared a video to answer some questions about what’s in the pipe for this summer and the rest of the year, so I will not spoil that much here.

Nevertheless, I will give you a bit more detail on what to expect …

The Ter Mur Story:We’ve been hinting for some time about filling out the Ter Mur areas, and this will be done not in epic style, but on a small scale with lots of detail. The story in itself could be released on its own merit, but it will be distributed in game. This is not about invasion or carnage … it is about sharing a story. Zhah is the focus. She will be going through many challenges, and you will be part of her struggle.

Enhanced Client Crashing and commitment to the EC:We have multiple reports of EC crashes. While it’s important that we improve stability, and we are getting some information about steps to reproduce from players, not all are consistent or truly reproducible from our end. So at present we are enhancing our crash logging information, so we can gather more information and take appropriate actions to address the issues.

Player Abuse:We are very aware of the escalating cases of abuse in the game over the last few months. We have had problems with our petitioning systems, and have been unable to receive or action some cases as quickly as we’d like to. As an answer our operations team working with CS has developed a new tool to allow our GMs and customer support reps not only to action faster, but to record activity better as well as a functionality to replace lost items. Expect to see the results of this new tool in the near future.

Additional High Seas content:In the development of High Seas, we had to remove a sea encounter due to schedule. We have taken the time to add it back, as well as revamping some of the fishing quests and reward items. These changes have been submitted for QA, and we will grind on getting them tested and ready for production after the break.

I wanted to keep this brief because there is a beautiful sky outside ... but I have to go check out the worldbuilding for the new zones in Ter Mur.

Please, for all of you in the U.S. it is Memorial Day weekend. A time to remember those who gave their lives in service to protect and create the freedoms we often take for granted. So in the traffic, parades, and revelry please be safe.

If you enjoy the excitement of LOOTING then join the mayhem following WRR's Deal or No Deal show (about 6pm PT * 9pm ET) on SONOMA... After the DoND show the 3rd floor of the WRR studio will be opened for PUBLIC LOOTING!! Everyone is eligible to participate so join the FREE-4-ALL LOOTING & tune into Whispering Rose Radio (wrrad.com) to hear the fun!!!

NO RIDES, MINIONS, OR PACKIES OF ANY TYPE ALLOWED INSIDE DURING LOOTING EVENT!

I thought that because we should be getting Spring cleaning fairly soon, a post on the 2008 cleaning would be nice. If you were on a break from UO at that time, or maybe didn’t even know the game existed that long ago.. This post will hopefully get you excited for the new Spring Cleaning. Spring Cleaning turned out to not really be in spring, like this year will be. It began on May 6th, and was rolled out slowly. The 2nd and 3rd round added in new rewards to claim as well as new items you could donate. The donations weren’t turned off until well after the summer, but you could still turn in your tickets or claim items from points you already added.

There were 37 rewards to choose from, 18 of which were mostly for deco use. (Only 30 rewards if you don’t count the virtue tiles separately)

Sherry the mouse statuette – Works (or is suppose to work) like a town crier.

Virtue Titles – Eight tiles are in the set. They can be placed facing two different directions.

Chaos Title - Looks like the Virtue tiles but can only be placed in one direction.

Personally I think the mouse hole was kind of silly as it’s hard to even see. I don’t know that I have a favorite per say as I use almost all of them in my decorating except the mouse hole. I thought I’d share a few different examples I’ve seen on my travels the past 2 weeks or so.

*Going to stop naming which tiles are in since we've named them all by now*

Branwyn Of Errol

Jefferson

Fire Pit and Virtue Tiles - Snowbird

Archery Butte and Virtue Tile

Sherry The Mouse - Teika

Nest (On the keg) - Tazar

Horse Barding - Witchblade

Horse Barding - Franny Flame

Horse Barding - Norm Abram

Horse Barding - Goodman (Andrasta)

Fire Pit (It's in there I swear!) - Norm Abram

Fire Pit - Desdemona

Dragon Head - Franny Flame

Dragon Head - Ikea

Dragon Head

Chaos Tile - Franny Flame

Beehive - Tazar

Beehive - Gaius

Beehive - TalSanSu

Beehive - KaFenris

Beehive - Norm Abram

Beehive

Do you have a favorite out of these items? Let’s hear it or better yet, If you have a very unique use for any of these items, Let’s see it! (I can come take screen shots if you have a hard time doing it yourself.)

Would you like to see other posts like this? Past deco reward items such as rubble perhaps being used in deco? Let me know.

There have been some strange happenings around Sosaria as of late and no it is not my fascination for orc jelly on my toast. I mean various stories are floating around about citizens being so happy that they have lost all inhabitations and fear.

There was a report out of Yew that a young man descended into the depths of Hythloth and began to play musical chairs with the Balrons. I don’t think they appreciated him sitting on their laps and the outcome was not in favour of the young lad.

There was also a beautician from Moonglow who decided it was a great idea to head to Deceit and perform a makeover on a Lich Lord…well let me put it this way the beautician was the one who got a facelift literally.

The most insane act I heard was out of Magincia of a father who brough his whole family to the corrupted forest for pony rides on Nightmares. I don’t think it was good times on the ponderosa when little Eric tried to lasso the beast.

There has also been talk of Oracles in Luna and around the Yew moongate who are so joyous that it is sickening. They keep going on about some juice being served up at the Journey’s End tavern in Moonglow. We need to get to the bottom of this and investigate these happenings! Something must be done right away because this can’t go on!! Everyone get off their behinds before this gets out of hand!!! I will catch up to you all once I finish my toast and orc jam.

Blackrock - a substance that remains illegal within Britannia - has been showing up on the Black Markets of Britain. The mineral - a component often used in spells of a more sinister nature - is being shipped to the Capitol in unlabeled containers, often amongst other goods, leaving it almost impossible to detect.

The Blackrock Shipments have been traced to Northern Felucca. But no other details have emerged.

John and Alma Winchester - wanted for their involvement in the Plague of Britain - were spotted leaving Vesper during the night of the Festival. It seems the pair are destined to return to their home before the weeks end.

It is rumored that a Pirate Fleet has anchored off the coast of Marble Isle. Britannian Merchants fear the Pirates intend to begin harassing Trade Vessels entering the Bay.

Magincia -

The Demeter - painted black and garbed in tattered sails - appeared off the coast of Magincia more than a fortnight ago. Onlookers describe a ship that is ...Strange. Malevolent. No movement is seen when the sun is up. But as soon as night falls the Ship comes to life. Men - or what are assumed to be men - can be seen moving back and fourth on deck. Crates have been unloaded onto the Isle.

Customs has investigated some of these crates - which have been stored at the Bank of Magincia - but have found nothing amiss. The Crates are filled with rich soil and are assumed to be destined for the Gardens.

Ash Campbell - made famous for his recent involvement in shipping plagued grain to Britain - has reportedly bought passage for Magincia. The unscrupulous merchant - who was banished from Dawn and is wanted in Britain for questioning - seems to be seeking refuge on the Isle and a new market for his goods.

Umbra -

A Fae Creature - with the torso of a man and the legs of a goat - is reported to have entered the Necropolis more than a week ago. He thrust himself into the Bloodletters Guild and threatened to expose himself if the Embalmers did not release the head of a Dark Elf.

Guardswoman Szentasha the Umbral claims to have been seduced by the strange creature and now bears his child.

A Necromantic Scholar is reported to be writing a novel that he hopes will appeal to the Britannians and will calm their fears of the Black Art. He calls his novel Chicken Soup for the Soulless.

The High Sea -

A month ago, Sailors from the Southern Isles reported seeing a column of flame erupt from the Isle of Fire. Those who have investigated since report discovering a tall, ruined tower set amongst the volcanic cindercones. The doors to the structure are locked, and attempts to penetrate it - or scale the walls - have been met with disasterous consequences.

Merchants and natives believe the building is cursed, and even the bravest explorers claim the building sends an inhuman chill down their spines.

"...A road is never simply a road. It is a symbol. A symbol of who we are, of where we've come from and of all the things that help us to become what we will be. A road is a journey, a lifetime, a story. Today we gather to recall the legendary origins of the main thoroughfare of this land. And in doing so we are recalling all the people of this realm, past, present and future, everyone with whom we've journeyed. And all the companions we will meet along The Way..." - Magdalena Canzione, Third Lord of the Way.

And thus began the Third Festival of the Way.

Once again the People of Britannia - and others arriving from Dawn and Magincia - gathered upon the steps of Lord British's Castle to receive the Water of Life and to honor the Great Thaumaturgist of Akalabeth.

Magdalena - chosen for her role in the Second Festival - began the Procession with rousing words that echoed Ceno and James before her. She annunciated on the meaning of the Road - on the Quest that led four companions through the Dark Drachenwald to Old Trinsic - and then guided them forward.

The Shepherdess - Silverbrook - whose paternal uncle was the Great Thaumaturge. The Warrior - James - a fearless soldier who wished to see Dawn for himself. The Bard - Aesop - whose wisdom and love of women were his greatest strengths. And the Necromancer - Sluggy Freelance - who could quite silence the conscience on his shoulder. Four actors to face the perils of Britannians forebearers. Four companions to tread the road anew.

I shall not beat a dead horse. Those who inhabit Britannia know this tale well. Those involved in the Procession have heard the tale a hundred times this month.

But I - the Keeper of Stories - will enunciate on one this fact. It is not just the destination that is important. The Goal. The End. It is also the Journey.

Besides the stall, the main stage and pen enclosing are also available for reservations. You may make use of them to run games, auctions, or theater, for instance. Please contact me before making a reservation to get an approval.

In order to book a stall, I require the following information:

1. Character name, 2. Time slot of the bookng, 3. Stall #, 4. A brief description of what you plan to use the stall for

You may book a stall by commenting here, or emailing me via the contact link on this website, or through one of the player advertisers (like Lady WildStar). Simply comment here in order to register for the horse race, open while space is available. EM Seppo

Welcome to the first ever Atlantic Rares Swap Meet! Sponsored by the Atlantic Auction House, owned by Lord Nabin. During the Swap meet a limited number of 30+ vendor spots will be available for rent. If you are interested be sure to read the rules below provided by Lord Nabin

Vendor Rules

1. Vendors will be set up starting May 24th. 2. Vendors are free for the time period and come on a first sign up basis. Sign Up Below. 3. You may have only one vendor per person. 4. Vendors must be stocked with rare items only. No arties or normal items. Vendors stocking non rare items will be terminated. 5. All Vendor Contracts will be ended on June 2cnd. Those wishing to keep there vendors in place will be offered a renewal price at that time. 6. All Vendors must be removed by June 6th if you are not planning to stay.

Swap Meet vendors will be located on the North side of the house for maximum exposure to passing traffic. Vendors are being setup today and will be selling items for the next two weeks. So be sure to stop on by, we will keep you updated as more information is released and renters being stocking!

Want to go hunting but don't have a big enough group? Are you looking for good guides to dungeons you've yet to explore?

The community hunts are open to everyone! Come show your support for the Lake Superior community and take a walk on the wild side at the same time. Meet some new and old friends and have a bit of a challenge along the way.

Community Champion Spawn HuntDate: Friday, May 27thTime: 9:00PM CST Starting Location: Skara Brae Community Center, next to the bankHosts: Taeara Mi'akenAnd remember, these hunts are for everyone, regardless of their skill level or guild affiliation. Come meet new friends, see new places, gain experience and just have fun.

You can find the Christmas List here SEASON 8 - CHRISTMAS EVENT ITEM LIST - 2010. Just a few items here and there to grab for the Christmas list but I am calling it complete so we can move onto the next list. (If you play Yamato and have Christmas items please contact me) After many icqs I have decided the next Archive will be....

SEASON 8 - EM EVENT ITEM LIST - 2010 I know I was going to do all the Holidays first but many of you wanted something more recent, which I am happy to do.

If you have item screenshots please save them as a PNG and try to make it as clear as possible. You can post them here {Link} If you cannot do pictures or they aren't very clear post them anyways and I will be able to recreate the item or send me the location of the item on display.

These four items from the Catskills shard and two items from the Atlantic shard are the first to be showcased in our item spotlight segment this month. I have a good feeling I will pay for this later but I cannot help thinking of how many different ways I could use the Pitchfork of EM Skewering!

I could go on for hours but I fear it would not be in my best interest to continue…and we do have three other items to highlight for you.

Are you into collecting footwear? Then the Well Used Sewer Slicker Boots are just right for you! Just think should you choose a career in sewer waste management you will already have part of the uniform and your friends will never ever have to hire anyone else to come clean out their septic tank! It’s a win, win situation!...thats situation not “The Situation”, Snooky aint got crap on me! (Off Topic!)

Moving on….If you get the Magical Helm To Protect Against Noxious Fumes then you will be all set should they ever drop the Big Void Bomb! Remember just duck, cover and put on your Helmet! They may laugh at you now but no one will be laughing at you after it strikes!

Goblins and Yatterlings Beware! The new Mercenary Axe has your color splattered all over it! If you have a pesky Goblin infestation on your shard you might want to pick up this handy dandy axe! Shipping to Baja and Chesapeake shards near you!

I Lost My Head Playing Mesanna Roulette….trust me you lost your head way before that by taking a chance with your life by playing Roulette! Talk about a gambling problem, obviously most of you don’t know when you are gambling more then you can afford to lose! Perhaps you should call the gambling hotline at 6-9785-Mesanna-Stole-My-Head

I Kept My Head Playing Mesanna Roulette I wouldn’t expect that to happen next time! You may have kept your head but have you ever heard the Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz? “If I only had a brain” My suggestion is to see your local shard therapist to setup a appointment, for those who don't know how you just simply email your Event Moderator and ask for the best time to see them.

Okay its now 4:21am WT (Work time) and I am all out of humor so see you next time! *Pokes*

As I entered The Guard Hall in Serpents Hold I saw many of the Sleuths already gathering. Mr Immy Flow, Katrina, Helen, Queen Elf Sandy, Mirria, Jocelyn, and Nora all stood around the back feeding their pets and chatting about the possibilities. Helen had not been investigating so they quickly filled her in.

“We have apprehended Tara” said Jocelyn “so she is not able to shop for a while. We have her in custody in Yew.”

“She confessed to a crime,” remarked Katrina. “But she is the Vegan not the shopper.”

“Oh right! I get them mixed up!” confessed Jocelyn.

Queen Mum and Miri joined us. Mum provided a quick snack of milk and cookies before we started our investigation. As we ate Mum commented, “I don think she dun it.”

This was echoed by Charly don’t Surf, Malfoy, Queen Elf Sandy and Moxxi.

Queen Elf Sandy added “remember she was alive when she left him. Maybe we should release her.”

“We kept her because we hoped that Colt or if not he, the real killer would come forward or leave some hint. Did Colt get in touch with any of you? Did he post on the Tavern wall?” asked Daniel

“Not I” answered Moxxi

“Since last week?” questioned Jocelyn “Nope.”

“Nay” Miri added.

Darth Waynebo, Vitamin, and Lavis the Mage also agreed that they had not heard or seen anything since last week.

Daniel Ravens was thoughtful, “He must know that Tara is in Jail. Let’s see what he has to say. We need to listen carefully.”

Charly Dont Surf agreed, “Sounds good to me”

It was a long way to the Sosarian Stable so we opted to travel through a gate. Outside of the stable we could hear multiple voices inside. There seemed to be a bit of an argument going on. The front gate was open so we all walked in. Standing in front of the stalls were

Colt Walker, Harold Chancero, Cayne Padopocit, L'il Min Rideout and Marrianne. This was the first time we had seen them all together. Usually they chose to avoid each other.

Nora interrupted and said “hello.”

Marrianne responded in a terse tone, “Oh! You are back. Please go away.”

We told her we could not go away until we finished our thorough investigation.

“You are ruining all our lives putting a nice girl in jail.”

Daniel found that confusing. ”Didn’t you Marrianne accuse her just last time we met?”

“Well I changed my mind. She would not hurt anyone. I figured you would be able to deduce that.” Marrianne frowned.

“She made a confession. We had to act on what we were told.” Daniel informed the haughty woman.

“The girl is confused - ask anyone. She could not have done it.” stated Marrianne emphatically.

Everyone in the stable agreed.

“Then who do you think did it” asked Vitamin.

“Maybe it was Cayne. Seems he has been dating Xarra ever since.” Voiced Marrianne

“Hold on there! I was in Trinsic that night.” Retorted Cayne

“Can you prove that?” Questioned Marrianne

“You know I can not. Xarra was not there.” snorted Cayne right back. He eyed Harold with distaste.

“She was with me. We were talking about Farley winning. I told you, Cayne, I was innocent.” Harold quickly added.

“You should have stayed away from her.” Threatened Cayne

“She needed to know that I was suspicious of Farley. I was trying to help her!”

Min had enough, “Stop bickering. We all know it was not Tara!”

Once more they all agreed. I wondered what they knew. How could they all have been so sure? Daniel was sure too. He kept saying he believed Tara was innocent.

“I think Tara is innocent too SO! If you know something now would be a good time to tell us. Otherwise Tara has incriminated herself.”

Colt looked up. He had been staring at the hay on the floor. “He left the paddock with a man. They were on horse back. I did not see him. I only heard their voices.”

Min was also eager to add information. “I saw Farley after he died. He had marks on his neck. They looked like rope burns. Where is Farley’s whip?”

Queen Mum wanted clarification. “You mean his riding crop right?”

“No, he used a whip!” Min looked like her nostrils could not flare any bigger. She found it appalling that anyone would whip their horse.

Harold, who should have known something but tended to keep quiet about the incident, added “We should talk to Farriot about the burgers. Or you should. Go!”

We agreed and headed away.

Farriots’ Farm was in the warm south area of Moonglow. He had just gone inside to sip an iced tea and relax. He looked at us and in his usual jovial tone welcomed us.

“Hello” he smiled, “Hey, how are the forensic specialists tonight? I was relieved that you apprehended the killer. It’s always the one you suspect the least.”

He shook his head. “Tara always seemed like a nice girl.”

Daniel got to the point. “We have questions about your Burgers, specifically about your business with Farley.”

“Why, you already arrested Tara?” snapped Farriot much less cheerily.

“We have only detained her. We have made no charges yet. Please answer the question.” Demanded Darth Waynebo

“Yes! Farley and I were in the burger business. I was annoyed that he reneged on some of the supplies.”

Cocoa stepped in. “Would you have killed him because you were annoyed?”

Farley was shocked by the question. “I did not kill him! We were chums. You do not kill a friend over a few Gold pieces.”

“How much did you lose?” Stammered Jocelyn

“A couple hundred thousand. Not enough to kill over. Well Xarra and Marrianne might. The gold diggers!” He replied smugly

Daniel informed Farriot that we were not finished and that Farriot was not to leave the facet.

With that we had seen most of the suspects, all except Xarra. We wanted to be sure Harold’s and Cayne’s stories could be substantiated so we head to Trinsic.

Trinsic was bursting with new spring flowers. Hues of pink mauve and red colored the sandstone path. We head toward the Tanners where Tara had been last we saw her. Sure enough she was still at the shop. She was reading a book at the desk.

Xarra *eyes the lynch mob* “I suppose you are all happy now. Nice girl arrested? Tara is nice. She is Vegan you know? She would not hurt any animal not even a human.”

So we asked her “Who then? What do you know?”

“I have no Idea who did it. I was with Harold that night. We saw nothing. I wish we had. Maybe we could have prevented it.”

“You know” said Miri, “If you all would cooperate, maybe Tara would not have been arrested.”

When we returned to the Guard hall Charly and Malfoy both stated that they thought Farriot was hiding something. Jocelyn agreed. Malfoy considered how content he seemed that Tara was in Jail. “Maybe she is his scapegoat!”

Both Ixtab and Lavis nodded. They had been very attentive throughout the questioning.

Queen Mum also was in agreement. “I think he wants to see her go to trial. He knows more then he is saying.”

Daniel agreed and we planned a Tribunal for the following Thursday. Although there was lack of evidence Tara would remain in the jail. Kali agreed to bring her warm food so that we were not cruel to her. Since Tara seemed to think she needed to atone for pushing Farley, for now, she would remain a guest of the realm.

It was just a normal Sunday evening to have a small Meet and Greet with EM Borbarad. We talked about future and upcoming events.

And a interesting request came too to restore the destroyed Moonglow Garden.

It was destroyed after a big hole came in the ground in Moonglow when a machine was looking for Blackrock. EM Borbarad needed a picture of it and would look into it to restore this beautiful place.

After all the question it was time for a little Fishing event. EM Borbarad slipped in his fishing gear. And several other fisherman and woman would join him to catch some rare and big fish.

I heard that some of the fisherman where pretty drunk or do have to say certain Captains! Captain Borbarad took us to Vesper where his ship was docked.

They left the harbor and every fisherman and woman started to fish. But big clouds started to show on the horizon and it seemed that the crew where facing some difficulties.

A lot of fish was catched and the ships decked started to fill up pretty fast.Some of the fisherman started to sober up and there mood started to turn bad.Good thing more booze was passed around to keep these drunken sailors happy!

A big storm Showed up and some of the crew started to have troubles with it. Em Borbarad did receive several big fishes. It was time to call it a day. Borbarad did say he will redo this fishing event and think what to do with all the big fishes and how the trophies could be given and made.

Hopefully next time there is less problems and can this fishing event be done without much troubles.

Instead of competing in the Palio series and winning one of those ruby necklaces she had chosen to attempt to regain her lost treasure from the Void. It was a risky strategy and she had failed. Not only failed but placed her own health into a precarious state. Badly weakened her only recourse was to bathe herself in blood.

Thick dark blood in the depths of a dungeon no-one but the very very cleverest, strongest and bravest could ever hope to enter.

Nathan looked down at the blood pouring from the wound in his side and cursed his misfortune. He had been tracking Mizara for some time but never close enough to capture her or even attempt an assasination. She had disappeared into the Black Moongate and he had followed. A bad mistake for as soon as he entered the Void he was attacked, impaled with a monstrous horn through his side and fallen back through the Black Moongate almost in an instant.

The Black Moongate disappeared in a blink and his quarrie was gone. Again.

The newcomer looked down at Nathan with a curious mixture of respect, love and fear. With his help she placed him on her horse and took him off to a safe-house. Before he passed out from pain he whispered a few words into her ear.

So she was going to have to tell the Royal Guard the information and hope they were up to this task.

In the past several months I have read articles all claiming the colors for Spring this year are teal, coral and white.I had not been to a MOA auction in several months so it was no shock to me they were on the cutting edge of fashion.

With the benches in a very chic shade of teal, the colorful patrons and hot hot hot items for sale it was another fun thursday night at the MOA auction house. On the subject of patrons many tags were seen in the house including H^I, -Y-, G-V, GTO, Yew, DC*, AMON, DSD and SOB.

Princess Melody in a spring inspired frock was the nights auctioneer.Her outfit was accented by gloves crafted by Lady Princess Flower.

DJ Scorp and Emerald Ice were Melody's backup help and they all did a grand job as always.

Remember folks thursday evenings MOA is the place to be. Gates are provided at major banks beforehand and during the event.

The issue with missing items reported earlier on Character Copy have been fixed and the option has been turned back on. You can once again copy your characters to Test Center 1. If you have encountered this issue earlier, please start a new character copy.

To start a character copy, login with the character you wish to copy and go to a safe logout location such as an inn. Open the help menu and select the “Character Copy” option. Follow the instructions to complete your character copy.

In the Year of Our Lord, 3 Anno Britannia (A.B.), Four Companions set out from Castle Britannia in search of the City of Dawn.

While the four would never reach their destination - their ultimate fate depends on he who is telling the tale - their maps and journals would later aid Cantabrigian in reconnecting the Old Kingdom, setting the stage for what would become the Empire of Britannia.

In the Year 29 A.B. (2009), during the reign of Casca the Usurper, Clainin the Thaumaturgist would fall. In honor of the Wizard and Scholar, the Widow would call for a Procession in rememberance of he and a previous Thaumaturgist. She would set about selecting those who she divined to possess the essence of each role, bringing together the Britannians in a time when the Kingdom seemed poised to turn upon itself.

Thus Bucko the Warrior, Count Pete the Bard, Asimov the Necromancer and Pol the Shepherdess would set out from Britain, led by Ceno, and accompanied by fifty candle bearers. We intend to continue that tradition.

Come join us as we again celebrate the Procession - with four new companions - in the Third Festival of the Way.

A bee buzzes around your face and drops a teeny tiny note on your nose. You find your spyglass and manage to read the note:

Pleazzze come to my bee yard, The Buzzzy Beezzz, in Vezzzper, on Zaturday at 4. --Beejorn the ApiaristYou think for a moment and then remember that there is a beekeeper in Vesper. You decide to go and hope he'll serve snacks. You fall asleep wondering why that last 's' wasn't zzzzzz

UWF's town seems to be ever changing. As new players come in, new deco items and themes become available, the town is added to or upgraded. As you'll see in this spotlight, Not all the buildings were 100% complete in their remodels or rebuilds when these screen shots were taken. It simply wouldn't be possible to show this town 100% complete, because it is never complete. They're always working on improving their town for their players benefit.

The Guild Hall

Cathedral

Auction House At the time I was taking screen shots this building wasn't finished, but what was finished of it looked amazing!

UWF Library

Interior Decorators

TreeHouse

Rain And Lion's UWF Museum This Museum not only showcases some rare items and artifact sets, it also showcases some of it's historic members.

Treasury

Tavern

Town Hall

These are far from the only homes UWF owns and offers to the public, but it would truly take weeks to show you all of their homes, so I selected a some that were recommended to me and some I personally loved in the main township area.

UWF is a very large guild on the Atlantic shard that not only is heavily involved in PVM but also takes part in some pvp. They're also one of the premier guilds in helping new and returning players.

If you're interested in more about United We Fight you can check out their website.

Coming Soon:

Spring Cleaning 2008 - Various displays of the 2008 decorative items.

Gardens - Various floral designs ranging from a single flower pot to an entire beautiful overgrown garden.

I will also be spotlighting some of your Stratics Staff members homes. We have some amazing interior designers on our team and I'd love to shop them off to you! I assure you you'll find some amazing deco ideas you've never thought of in them.

If you have any requests, Please feel free to PM me! I'd love to show you exactly what you're looking for.

(*) This symbol designates "vending machine" style of item distribution where a player can double click on an object to receive an item. Quantity depends on the accessibility of the items which is also dependent upon time the object was set in place and availability of access by more than one character on an account.

I awoke the day after speaking with Tara and headed out to find Daniel Ravens. He was reading from a stack of notes but looked up the second I approached him. We discussed Tara and he shook his head.

“It was no accident.” He told me firmly. “But I am curious why Tara might think it could be. I am certain the other sleuths will want to know as well.”

He rubbed his chin, nodded, then stood and headed toward the meeting place.

As we entered the room we found Lord Darth Waynebo, P s Y c H o, JINX, Rasesar Wej studying the evidence. J-B, Ixtab, Cuttles, Angelina and Mirria sat in a group discussing all the motives and evidence we had gathered so far.

Daniel began, “have you thought about who did this crime? We need to apprehend a suspect. The citizens are getting upset and worried about a murderer being free!”

Jocelyn fidgeted and in a weak voice apologized. “I have been very busy Daniel.”

Daniel quickly recapped all the evidence.

“So far we know that many people had motive. Xarra was a woman scorned. Afraid her beau was going to run off to Tokuno with Tara and leave her alone with her shops.

”L’il MIn had worked hard to train as a Jockey. She kept losing to Farley when she felt she should have been the victor. She found out that Farley was cheating.”

He pointed to the sugar that sat on the platform with the other items we retrieved from the crime scene.

“But Min is little. Would she have been strong enough to knock him down? Farley was also small, as most fast jockeys are.”

”Cayne had made bets on Farley that he would not win 100 in a row. Would he have ensured his bets? Why is Cayne playing Farley now? Could he have been so jealous that he wanted to be him?

What do we know about Farriot? He is very friendly and he likes to hunt foxes.

Colt seems like a good farm hand. He was / is in love with Tara. If Farley really was going to run off with Tara would he have tried to stop it? Could Tara have hurt Farley and Colt tried to cover for it?

Harold is always at the track. How is it that he did not see anything?

I doubt it was Marrianne. She would likely have got a farm hand to do the dirty work for her. Although if she had pushed him …she might have had Colt or Harold take care of the corpse. I think we should make some kind of arrest. We need to figure this out.”

Jocelyn felt that Xarra was innocent. “I think she prefers shops to people. If you get in her way of something she wants to buy – perhaps. I do not think that was the case here.”

Queen Mum nodded in agreement.

“The dent is very large and the helm was very well made.” Daniel remarked while directing our attention to the evidence again. “I am not sure any of Xarra’s little baubles would make that big a depression.”

Devlin Darthmoore presented a theory. “What if she drugged him and he fell over? And then she picked up the pitch fork?”

Mirria thought about that. “Ahh, but wouldn’t one find a way to lose the murder weapon after the deed is done? We found it right under him.”

Prime nodded “could he have fallen on the fork?”

P s Y c H o piped up, “He could have fallen off the horse onto the pitch fork then the horse kicked him in the head! He might have been thrown from the horse as a result of the sugar.”

Prime and Queen Mum agreed but Jocelyn shook her head. “Too many coincidences I think.”

We head out to talk to Xarra first. It was always easy to find her, as Trinsic was her favorite shopping place. We found her talking to the shop keeper at the Tannery.

“Hello again she said.” *stares at Daniel* “I am not shopping. She stated smugly.”

“We have some questions for you“ stated Prime.

”Xarra who do you think might have wanted to hurt Farley?” inquired Angelina.

“I think Harold might be guilty He is always there. Why did he not see? He would have seen something. He had a thing for me. That is motive. He was saying slanderous things about Farley too. Now I am tired of this. Go ask Harold.”

Angelina observed “thinking she's protesting a lot and pointing a lot of blame.”

“Maybe” said Daniel “or maybe we should talk to Harold again. It is odd that she is pointing a finger.”

Prime wanted to take Xarra with us. He thought we should keep an eye on her but we all agreed that she would not wander far from her shops in Trinsic.

Harold was not at the track. He had wandered over to the house just to the south. There he sat eating a hearty bowl of stew. We told him what Xarra had said and gave him a chance to reply.

”I know Xarra thinks I was slanderous to Farley. Thing is I’ve seen a lot of great jockeys. It was clear to me, Farley was suspicious. Saying truths is not slander. He was not the best jockey. As we have discovered, I was right. I never knew of the sugar, I would have disclosed it. I would not have let Min lose because of cheating. I really have nothing else to say.”

His statements were true. Farley was only successful because he had cheated. We wondered if this news really might have made Min seek vengeance. Harold doubted it but told us Min had gone to the stable where her horses had once called home.

Min had earned her nickname L’il Min just by being herself - Tiny. She stood 4’ 10 inches tall. The top of her head could just be seen over the top of the stall rail. When she heard the gate open she turned and watched us approach.

“Hello. It is a nice day.” She said with a wan smile.

Morgan Ironwolf bit down on some hard candy and asked “You feeling less sad then?”

“Yes I am feeling less sad and angrier now.”

“About the sugar?” asked Darth.

“No not about the sugar, about Farriot. I thought about it. Why would he want a retired horse ranch? He is into bigger, faster, stronger stallions and prizes. He is about winning. He is like his partner Farley. Now that was another thought, how could they be partners if Farley was moving? And what kind of Business were they in? I wonder if Marrianne knows.”

Miri thought it would be good to get all the people in one room. It seemed to her that they just kept blaming each other. Nonetheless we trod back to the race track to find Marrianne.

“Oh! Hello again. More Questions I presume.”

“Yes, about Farriot.”

“Oh I am not a fan of the old geezer. Farley got along with him. They were partners in a business. I did not know at first, but rumor is he had a burger joint.”

“GAH!” exclaimed Miri.

Jocelyn wanted to know about the burgers. “Burgers?”

Marrianne fidgeted as she explained “A place where they cook meat and put it in nice rolls. Serve them with BBQ sauce.”

Prime reasoned “so we know why he wants retired horses.”

Devlin licked his lips, “Yum, horse burgers!”

“Well I guess it could have been old horse meat. Oh. *sigh* I think Tara did it! Oh NO! She would do anything to protect her horses. In this case I think Tara would be capable of murder.”

Miri Frowned. “Where is Tara?”

“I think she is taming Dragons in Destard.”

I could not help but wonder if Tara did kill Farley. Not that she seemed capable to do it in cold blood. She had asked if it could have been an accident and Marrianne had just confirmed that the horses would be motive for Tara.

When we arrived in the Destard cave Tara was quietly talking in the ear of a very large dragon. She was patting its forehead and telling it how noble he was. Sadly the other dragons were not so gentle toward us. Rasesar and Chocolate Moose quickly murmured spells to protect themselves. Jocelyn ordered he own dragon to protect and kill any that attacked her. Hatsheput and Devlin screamed there own special kinds of magic while Miri knocked an arrow.

Tara looked around at the mayhem “You are killing them. Nooo! Please stop. They are such gentle beasts.” We continued to do whatever we needed to protect ourselves. Tara seemed immune to them. Perhaps she really did have a special gift with animals.

She screamed at us to be heard over the melee. “Come outside. I will talk. Just stop killing them!”

Outside Tara was very meek. “You want to ask me something don’t you about Farley? What do you want to know?”

Prime got right to the point. “Did you kill him?”

Charly added, “You know we have been looking into Farley’s death.”

Devlin asked “We want to know if there is horse in the burgers! I love horse burgers.”

Tara started to shake and get woozy. I was not sure how long she would be able to stand. Then she seemed to get strength from with out. She stood a bit taller and spoke.

“I think I did it. I am guilty” she sighed loudly.

The entire group started to chatter.

Charly said “You think?”

Devlin observed, “You don’t sound sure.”

Queen Elf Sandy wondered, “You kill someone for eating horses.”

Snowflake thought it was all lies.

Tears welled up in Tara’s eyes but she would not let one fall.

“I was so very angry. I did not mean to kill him. I was shocked about the burgers.”

Miri thought about that. “I suppose I might if it was Llama!”

“I would not eat llama either. I am a Vegan!” She bowed her head and continued. “The worst of it is I was not even sad when I heard he died even though we were friends before. I felt betrayed.”

Charly was taken by that. If Tara had killed Farley, how was it she heard he died? So she asked, “How exactly was it that you killed Farley?”

Devlin on the other hand was not sure he could trust a Vegan. “So you are telling us you do not eat horse, or any burgers?”

Talia had another thought, “how do you know about the burgers?”

“I can only answer one at a time. I pushed him. I have never been so angry.”

Miri nodded. “Then it was an accident.”

“I pushed him at the paddock and he fell and hit his head on a fence post.”

Devlin was so surprised. “You do not even drink milk because of animals and here a friend dies and YOU ARE NOT EVEN SAD! You Bully! Horrible!”

Tara had to agree. “It is terrible that someone dies. That makes me even sadder. That I had no sadness about this! But he was killing the old horses. He was not a nice man.”

Angelina asked “Why didn’t you tell someone?”

And Jocelyn stated “We don’t kill folks cause they aren’t nice.”

Cuttles scolded,” He was still a human. Geesh!”

Tara answered Angelina, “Well I did not know I killed him yet. He was staggering and cussing at me. It is not like I did it intentionally but he must have got a concussion from the bump on the head. I would not have left him if I knew that.”

We asked if he was alive when she left him. She nodded. “He was alive but that does not make me less guilty. Take me to jail. I am ready for what ever my punishment might be.”

“We will,” remarked Devlin, “you don’t talk to him. You just resort to violence. You stabbed him with a pitch fork!”

Tara looked confused? “What pitchfork? There was no pitchfork.”

“We found one. Perhaps it was Colt’s.”

“A lot of people have pitchforks to garden or clean stalls. Colt takes very good care of his.”

Miri pointed out that someone could have come along after Tara left. None- the- less we decided to take Tara to Yew to hold for questioning.

We headed back to the Guard hall in Serpents Hold to try to piece everything together.

“It does not make sense” said Prime. “She says she did it but she really is not sure. He was alive when she left him. She said she pushed him. Lots of folks have pushed someone when they were angry. She honestly was confused about the pitchfork.”

Miri agreed “she doesn’t really know what happened. I believe he was alive when she left.”

“I think she knocked him out but someone else finished the job,” Interjected Cuttles.

Then it dawned on Prime. “She said she did it at the paddock. Didn’t we find Farley at the race track? That is quite a distance apart.”

After much discussion we had all agreed that someone else had taken advantage of the accident Tara caused.

Cyanide suggested that if Farley was already weakened then the stable chick might have been strong enough.

While this is a possibility none of us were willing to give up suspicion on the others. Perhaps it was Colt after all. He admitted to loving her. He has pitchforks. Perhaps with Tara in jail he will step forward.

Want to go hunting but don't have a big enough group? Are you looking for good guides to dungeons you've yet to explore?

The community hunts are open to everyone! Come show your support for the Lake Superior community and take a walk on the wild side at the same time. Meet some new and old friends and have a bit of a challenge along the way. Gathering of Proof - Abyss quest (part 1)Date: Tuesday, May 17thTime: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: Skara Brae Community Center - located next to the bank Host: Taeara Mi'Aken

Community Peerless Hunt Date: Wednesday, May 18thTime: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: Skara Brae Community Center - located next to the bankHost: Taeara Mi'Aken

As posted earlier by Mentiras, a Fluffy Bunny will be hosting his final event this month. Each of his events has been a really fun time, but the Paintball game is definitely my very favorite!

Mark your calendar for the 21st at 9pm est and come on out for merriment and mayhem. Gates are always provided in Luna to the town of Ta'b'gnom and participants should come with empty packs and no clothes. (And because Fluffy doesn't care for goosebumps robes are always provided.) Everything you need will be given to you at the arena, no need to worry about your good stuff getting looted by those ebil PK'r types. Everyone remember to smile, too, since this will be filmed for posterity!

Also, you have until the end of the month to show off your event running skills for prizes and praises. Let's see what you can do! Drop a note to me here or holler for me ingame and I'll be sure to let everyone know about your event!

The character copy feature has gone live! This feature will allow you make a copy of your character from any shard that supports transfers to “Test Center 1”. There may be periods of time where this feature will not be enabled due to differences in server versions.

To start a character copy, login with the character you wish to copy and go to a safe logout location such as an inn. Open the help menu and select the “Character Copy” option. Follow the instructions to complete your character copy.

Even now as I write, I am trying to compose my thoughts about what happened.

We gathered there in the throne room of Castle British, to await the crowning of young Adamu Wellings, as he became the next king of Britannia. Lady Danica Amandine of The Knights Of The Crux Ansata began the joyous event with a short speech about our Adamu.

“When Addie first came to us, a young scared child... We had a decision to make. We found a boy, one we were told was dangerous. Or at least had that possibility. But as many noted, we all have the capability to bring those around us to ruin. It is what is in our hearts that reflects our actions. And so, you, my Crux Ansata... and Britannia as a whole embraced the boy. We have molded his heart into a reflection of ourselves. What a way to mold and foster our future King.

So tonight, on this night of nights. We gather here to crown Adamu Edom Wellings to the Throne of Britannia. Long Live the King. Adamu will enter from the east and will speak to each of you. Once he sits in the throne, he will be King of Britannia.” Her heart-warming speech given, Danica left to bring our future king in.

As cries of “Long live the king!” swelled in the chamber, Lord Adamu Wellings entered through the double doors and began his walk down the carpeted isle. He paused before reaching the throne and turned to address us all, giving a salute.

“Hello, everyone, “ he gazed down at his robes. “Danica picked these out. I hope they are ok. Danica says once I sit on the throne I am King of Britannia.” He took a step down, away from the throne.

“I want you all to know, how much I thank you... For my life. You did not have to spare me. Yet you showed compassion upon a young helpless child. Many of you I call my friends. Many of you I see as my own brothers and sisters. All of you I see as family.

I want you to know, I do not take the throne lightly. Or out of any sort of lust for power. I think I can do good things, but I will need your help. A Monarch can not lead without his people. I am just as much your servant as your King. I thank you for this honor.

I have but one request of you. Unite. We must all unite under the Banner of Britannia. No longer can we be so easily welcoming of outside forces which seek to do us harm. Britannia was once a pure nation. But we have allowed it to wither from too much outside influence. Let it be known, that is not my way. Britannia will be pure again.” He gave a quick, sour glance upward at the noisy flapping of the gargoyles that were gathered.

“And now, I shall seat my buttox upon the throne that has remained empty for far too long. Again, I thank you all.”

As he was about to sit on the throne and take the new title and responsibility, the Time Lord appeared.

“Do not take that throne! Stop this at once!” the Time Lord thundered. Cries of surprise went round the chamber.

“This is our world, you are not welcome here!” Adamu countered.

“Adamu, this is not your path. You have a much different destiny!”

“These people determine my path, not you!” Adamu said.

“Come with me Adamu Wellings,” the Time Lord instructed.

“I will not!” Adamu shouted.

“It is time for you to go,” he said, “You know it to be true as well as I.”

Immediately, there were cries of protest from the Crux Ansata among the audience.

“Go? Go where? This is my home.” Now Adamu's words sounded unsure, as if he was actually considering it.

“It is not your home. It was only a sanctuary for a short while.”

“A Sanctuary?” Addie gave the Time Lord an odd look.

“Yes, your nursery, young Adamu. Here you grew and learned. Now that time is over.“

“Then what I saw in my dream...“

“You must take hold of your true destiny,” he urged.

“The world in the baby's crib...”

“Come with me, Adamu,” the Time Lord waited, holding out his hand.

“If I go, I want my friends to come with,” Adamu said.

“They may follow, for a while,” he said.

“Let us see what this Time Lord wants,” Adamu said, and we all followed the two through a gate. I was heartened that I was not the only one present who felt more than a little protective of our soon-to-be king.

The Time Lord had brought us to the Crux Ansata Hall. As we proceeded further in, I noticed that the back had been opened and a long hallway stretched out beyond. It was this hallway we all ventured down. We gathered in a room at the end.

“There is more to your existance than this place,” the Time Lord said, “You have much growing to do. Come, Adamu.”

A door was opened and Adamu stood, staring into the starry darkness beyond.

“The Ethereal Void?”

“Yes, this is your destiny.”

“Do not go Addie!” shouted Bon Iver, “Addie we are your family, you can not part with us for a second time!”

“It is time to go, Adamu.”

“What if I want to stay here?” Adamu asked.

“Do you truly?” the Time Lord responded, “More than just this place needs you.”

“These people need a ruler, someone strong...” Adamu gazed out into the infinite.

“That someone is not you.”

“Am I going to die?”

“All mortal things die. But it is not time for that, yet.”

“My friends...”

“And not for quite a long while if I had to guess.”

I stood, transfixed. I wondered what Addie would choose, but I knew that it was his decision to make. It was like watching one of my own children, so many years spent in the raising and the inevitable heading out on their own. My eyes were full of tears, for I had a suspicion he would take the starry path and part ways with us. That mysterious path, full of promised adventure. It would beckon to all the dreamers and imaginers, and our Addie, our would-be Tinker King, was one of those extraordinary thinkers.

A bit sadly, he turned to speak to us.

“I am called into infinity, if I am ever able... I will return to you. I love each of you.”

The Time Lord once more held out his hand to Adamu and the young man took hold.

“Let us go, Adamu.”

Together, they walked hand in hand into the Etherial Void.

We watched them depart from our world. Some of us were sad, some happy, some just confused. I spent some time leaning against the fence in thought, but I was shaken from this meditation by the realization that battle was taking place behind me. I turned to find my fellow Crux and Britannians pitched in war with a Guardian of the Void.

The fight did not last long, with so many of Britannian's strongest present. When it was over, many realized that the Time Lord had returned, alone. We gathered to hear what he would say, and find out what had happened to Addie.

“I remember you all of you,” he said. It was a very strange thing for the Time Lord to say.

“Where did you take Adamu?” Someone asked.

“Adamu? Oh, the boy. You do not realize... It has been eons for me. But only seconds for you. I am so tired. Tired of the balance. Tired of keeping things in order. It is time for me to rest.” He looked down at his robes, and then suddenly revealed himself.

Gasps echoed from the walls, I was stunned, myself.

“ADDIE!” came the cries, and “Adamu?”. For, indeed, it seemed our Addie was before us, although much much older.

“Things have been so chaotic for you. You have many questions.”

“Addie that you?” asked Hans.

The answer was yes. Truly, he appeared to have aged a lifetime in just the moments he'd been gone.

“Have you been gone a long time?” I asked.

“Eons. Longer than most of you can imagine. But I am tired. I am very tired. I promised. That I would return here if I could, and when I could. I am done in the Void. I can not remain there. I am an old man. Someone else must take my place. May I spend what days I have left here? Among you, my friends and my family?“

The answer was, of course, yes. Addie had been raised by all of us, he was family.

As I headed back home to Magincia that eve, my mind was awash in a stream of ponderings. I wondered who Danica would find to be king. I wondered who would take Addie's place as the next Time Lord. I also wondered if he was the same Time Lord who had played advisor to Lord British. If Adamu truly meant to reside in Magincia, I would have plenty of time to learn the answers to all these questions and more.

And so there you have it, my faithful readers. As promised, I have given an update on Time Lord activity. Though I cannot say for sure when or if we will see any more for a long, long time.

Due to a reported issue with character transfers we are turning them off until the issue is completely resolved. We plan to open transfer up as quickly as possible and will keep everyone informed of our progress.

UO Stratics is currently looking for active, talented citizens of Chesapeake to add to our team of top-notch Ultima Online reporters. Have a knack for writing? Love to see the realm and share your journies with the community? This could be the opportunity for you! No experience neccessary!

As a volunteer you are required to:

* Be a competent writer * Be an active, knowledgeable member of the Chesapeake community * Be willing to attend events and quests, interview VIPs, report news of interest to the community * Be able to dedicate a minimum of three hours per week to writing and/or posting news items * Have a familiarity with basic HTML * Be pro-active

Does the above describe you? Then what are you waiting for??? Apply... right now!

1. Real name 2. Contact e-mail address 3. ICQ, AIM, MSN number (if applicable) 4. Stratics username and character name (this must be the character name you will be reporting with) 5. Rate your HTML knowledge from 1-10, where 1 is poor and 10 is phenomenal 6. Answer this: Why do you wish to be a shard reporter for UO Stratics? 7. Include a brief writing sample, no more than 500 words (no attachments) 8. Any questions???

Verbal Harassment is almost by definition a frustrating experience for those affected. Unfortunately we continue to see a few mistakes that turn many potentially valid harassment reports into situations we cannot assist with. As your glorious GM overlords we suggest following the steps below to avoid these problems:

Do not exchange insults or taunts with the harassing player. This is by far the most common mistake we see. If both parties are involved in harassment or the reporting player instigated the situation then it becomes mutual harassment and a GM will not intervene for either side.

Ask the player politely, by name, to stop. For example: "Please stop insulting me Acheren."

Stop talking to the player. You may also want to leave the area.

Add the player to your ignore list (In Options under Filter Options.)

Wait a few seconds and if the harassing player still does not stop then you should immediately report them. Do not wait more than a minute or two after this point to report them and do not log out of the game before reporting them. Open your Help menu, choose "Another player is harassing me", then pick "VERBAL HARASSMENT".

You will be prompted to enter some details about who and what you are reporting. Keep this short and to the point. For example: "Acheren will not stop calling my llamas fat".

Select the harassing player as a target. There are a number of ways to add targets, the most common methods are "Target Involved Players" which allows you to simply click on the character you wish to report and "Type Names of Involved Players" which allows you to type in the character name even if they are no longer online. You can always include a target, even if the other player has left the area or gone offline. This is the second most common mistake because with no target included the GM cannot see the chat logs and may not even be able to determine who exactly you are reporting. As a result the GM will not be able to investigate your report in any way and your petition will be closed.

Disruptive Behavior:

Be aware that in addition to the Verbal Harassment policy there is also a seperate Disruptive Behavior policy. Disruptive Behavior applies to the use of Vulgarity, Racism, and Objectionable Content in public chat channels such as the General channel. Unlike Verbal Harassment you do not need to ask players to stop or take any other additional steps prior to reporting this behavior. Unlike the default channels we do not tolerate the use of profanity in public chat channels so for Disruptive Behavior you may simply witness a player using vulgarity a few times in a public channel and skip straight to reporting them. For rather obvious reasons this means you should avoid responding to such players with more vulgarity in those same public chat channels lest you both end up in jail.

You may find a great deal of additional information on harassment in the following links:

The Royal Guard Hall seemed a bit quiet this evening, with only the most dedicated of soldiers hushed in their seats, waiting for Amonos. What games had kept our fellow troops away, we may never know.

Soon Amonos arrived. He got right to the point… the museum in Vesper had been robbed! Priceless works of art were missing, and it was up to us to investigate.

We were off! Our first stop was to visit the respected painter, Alberta Giacco. Her artwork is renowned thoughout the land, and several of her priceless works of fine art were stolen from the museum. After a brief discussion, we decided we would need to examine the museum more closely for clues.

With little to go on from the museum, Amonos had an idea. Perhaps Bartho, the suspected smuggler might be able to help us find out who the art had been fenced to. When we arrived at Bartho’s tent, a suspicious gargoyle named Lem’Klep darted out of sight. The royal guard had encountered him before, yet he eluded us again. My reporter’s intuition tells me we haven’t seen the last of him yet. We were able to question Bartho, and though his answers were sketchy, he was able to tell us of another gargoyle knows as Sithorgra who had been asking about some paintings. Rumor had it that he was expecting a shipment at a port in Ter Mur, land of the gargoyles.

Expecting we might run into trouble, the guard suited up for battle and we set out for the northern docks located in a small village just north of the Royal City. No sooner had we arrived and we were attacked by all manner of winged creatures. Though we were small in numbers, we made quick work of the vermin.

As the guard regrouped, Amonos caught site of Sithorgra… sipping his ale only a few feet from the battle. As Amonos questioned him it became clear that he was a thief and a liar. Amonos called for security to detain Sithorgra for further questioning. When the dock security arrived they refused to arrest Sithorgra, and instead attacked the royal guard. We were left with little choice but to defend ourselves. By the time the fighting ended the dock security and Sithorgra were dead. But all was not lost. Hidden among the security forces belongings were some of the missing paintings we had been looking for.

Until more could be determined about who exactly had robbed the museum, the art was taken to the Awards Hall and put on display. Hopefully the guard can get to the bottom of the mystery before any more of our valuables are stolen.

“Hey! Watch that! Some of this stuff is ancient!” Captain Irina shouted to one of the recruits helping to relocate the crates of Mornwok’s goods. “It’s not going to be of any use to us if it’s all busted!” She grumbled out something about diligence as she helped carry the next set of crates off the heavily laden pack horses. She heard a crash of wood and pottery and she quickly set her crate down and ran to where the noise had come from.

“Captain! I’m sorry, it was an accident, I swear!”

Just as Irina was about to open her mouth and yell at the man she noticed that there was more than just the remains of the vase and crate there, there was a bound book with a few scrolls tied to it with twine. She frowned and knelt, picking them up and dusting them off. The book looked positively ancient.

“Um…Captain, did you want me...”

Irina gave the recruit a scowl. “Just get back to unloading the horses. I’ll clean this up. You may have stumbled on something important.” She took the book inside and sat at a desk, laying it open as she unfurled one of the scrolls that appeared to be a map of the Fens of the Dead with markings on it that she didn’t recognize. The second scroll turned out to be a more familiar map, but with scribbled indicators written on it in some sort of code she couldn’t decipher. As she looked through the book, it seemed to have had markings or pages with notations on it; From as best she could tell they could have been Mornwok’s handwriting, but she couldn’t be sure. What she could tell by the time she finished looking through it was that the Commander would definitely want to see it.

We had a lively group this week at the HOC meeting. We had several topics for discussion. Here are the notes.

• Eira announced that the HOC will now be held on the first Friday of each month. • Daniel reminded everyone about sleuth training every Thursday • Mum reminded the group that Sonoma is hosting Deal or No Deal each Saturday this month at 6pm Pacific time. The DND house is located out the south Luna gates. • Mum also announced that following the DND on May 28th we would he having a Loot House after the show. • Sangria noted that the Easter quest would be turned off on May 8th, better get those eggs now. Don’t forget that the quest can be done in both Trammel and Felucca and that the eggs can be dyed. • Finally was a reminder that Amonos was requesting help from the RBG on Saturday evening to look for clues regarding some stolen artifacts from the Vesper Museum.

Sounds like its going to be a great month of activities on Sonoma, hope to see you all there. Until next time I bid the farewell and safe journey.

Want to go hunting but don't have a big enough group? Are you looking for good guides to dungeons you've yet to explore?

The community hunts are open to everyone! Come show your support for the Lake Superior community and take a walk on the wild side at the same time. Meet some new and old friends and have a bit of a challenge along the way. Slasher of Veils (Stygian Abyss)Date: Tuesday, May 10thTime: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: Skara Brae Community Center - located next to the bank Host: Taeara Mi'Aken

Community Peerless Hunt Date: Wednesday, May 11thTime: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: Skara Brae Community Center - located next to the bankHost: Taeara Mi'Aken

It was a warm evening when professor Grimm needed help again. When he arrived at the counselors hall he was very pleased with the large number of people that are coming to his aid.

Grimm exactly knew who and where our next strange creature would be. To my surprise it was someone who was named puss in boots. Did we really had to fight a bad pussycat? It would surprise me but then again i saw stranger things in my life. Puss in boots was not aware out kingdom had no ruler. Grimm had placed a false king in the throne room as a trap. We all hurried to the castle to see if the cat took the bait.

The strange creature had fallen into the trap with the false king.

One against so many this should be like a walk in the park. But this kitten had some tricks up his sleeves. Soon enough the room got filled with Mutierte Wachtel. These little bird seemed very poisonous!

These little birds gave us quit a fight. While we where fighting the birds Puss in boots started to run and ran out of the castle. When we defeated the birds in the throne room we ran out of the castle but as soon we crossed the bridge into the town more birds started to attack us.

I am glad we where with so many people here and supported with tamers and there mighty pets. Puss in boots saw we ones again stopping his birds and started to run again towards the graveyard. He was a lot faster then all of us. We lost him for a few minutes. After a little search around the graveyard we found him again. Ones again his bird friends came to help him. But we had sealed all exits from the graveyard with people. This cat was not going anywhere without a fight!

It was a long and hard fight against the birds and the strange creature.

This was not a cat, it was more like a tiger!

But determination and teamwork would be ones again lead the heroes to victory! Eventually the cat got defeated. Professor Grimm wanted to search the body of the cat.

Another scroll was found. Two more letters where written on them. Maybe we have to place them together with the first scrolls letter to find out more about the mysterious stranger.

Professor Grim started to understand what this is all about.

And soon we will have to face our next target!

It was time to go back to the counselors hall. And leave the second scroll next to the first one.

Soon enough we will be called again to help solve this mystery. It was time for us to go home and get some well deserved rest. And for some of us a small reward for there bravery!

*Posted and tacked up at all banks and Inns of the realm, the parchment is elegant yet simple and smudged with what appears to be Valorite ore*

New Magincian Community Meeting

Monday, 5/9 at 8PST There is to be a community meeting held at the Modest Damsel. This establishment is located on the Magincia docks. All of those interested in New Magincia Business are invited to attend. Topics of discussion will range from upcoming events, planning and a meet and greet for our new neighbors!

(OOC NOTE: All rp and Non-rp alike are invited. The idea is simply to start building our wonderful community)

I arrived at the Royal Guard Hall in Serpents hold early. I wanted to look at the evidence again. Daniel Ravens was standing up front also looking over the things we had picked up. The pitch fork still had blood on the tines. Daniel said we could not tamper with it until we finalized the case.

He looked at the sugar and frowned remembering the slaughter we all witnessed the week before. “I sure hope none of you picked up any sugar and fed it to your pets.” He shook his head and said, “Such a waste of good animals.”

Jocelyn piped up “I fed a peach to Snowy, Peaches are good for pets”

Daniel Ravens nodded and looked up “One thing we have all learned by this investigation is that it is important to care for our pets.”

More people joined the group looking at the dented riding helm. Sir Scott stayed off in the shadow. He never did feel comfortable around Daniel. Then he asked about the sugar. “Won’t you get ants with that?”

Someone explained about how the sugar had made the horses go feral and that the horses had to be executed.” Sir Scott was very concerned about this.

“I have heard that some of the citizenry think we should push on to make an arrest!”

Darth Waynebo thought about that. “Let’s not be hasty. We do not know who is guilty.”

Daniel Ravens agreed “I do not think we have enough to go on, a lot of hearsay.”

Charly Dont Surf Wanted to know “what should we do then?”

Get more information? Keep questioning. Then send a message to Bob or Amonos about our findings.

Everyone agreed. We decided to start with Harold at the race Track. He had to know something as he was always there and it was where the body was found. We made out way there and found Harold Standing at the winner circle.

He greeted us.

“Hi. Sure is quiet here now. Since Farley has been buried not too many people come by.

I am getting lonely.”

“We need to know more about Farley.” We stated in a form of a demand.

He was such a Ladies man. Well you know both Xarra and Tara seemed to adore him.

I told Xarra about Tara. She had a right to know as word was he wanted to move away with her. I felt Xarra deserved to know he was leaving her.

Was Xarra upset by this?” I inquired?

Harold was very protective of Xarra. He retorted that she was misunderstood. She bought things to hide her hurt. In fact, she was in Trinsic at this very moment buying new earrings, sapphires to set off her beautiful eyes.

Queen Mum bid Harold Good bye and we headed out the gate.

Charly Dont Surf was confused “was he lying about Tara?”

Sir Scott and Jocelyn pointed out “secrets within secrets lies within lies?”

Daniel Ravens pondered could Xarra could have been jealous.

Charly Dont Surf replied “I would have been but was it the truth?”

Trinsic was warm and welcoming. Plants had started to grow in the gardens. We made our way to the Jewelers to see if we could find Xarra. She was there at the gem display case looking at the pearls.

“Aren't the pearl drop earrings luminescent? I have got to have them!” we heard her exclaim to the man behind the counter. Then she saw us and in a cordial voice greeted the group.

“Oh! Hello again. Do you want some advice on fashion? I have been asked to do advice for the tailor shop. They know I have great fashion sense.

I noticed some of the men in the group roll their eyes. Jinx asked why anyone would want her advice. We came for information about Farley.

“Sheesh get over him. I did!” She said rather haughtily. “In fact Cayne told me Farley spent a lot of time with Tara. Humph! That Trollop! Who does she think she is! Everyone knew Farley and I were a couple. He boasted of it all the time. Admittedly, things were not too good of late. He wanted to move away. Start over. He wanted to go to the wilds. Imagine leaving Trinsic and all these shops! The worst of it is that Harold was the one to tell me

He told me about Tara and their plan to run off to Tokuno. Not too many towns there

Where would I shop?

I am busy why don't you talk to colt? He should have seen what was going on! You know *raises a brow* about the sugar and Marrianne and Farley!”

As we were leaving I over heard Daniel say he was glad this Xarra was one in a million. How could she just get over him? He said he found her shallow. He shook his head and said “I do not understand”

Jocelyn and Charly Don’t surf presented a different point of view.

“Maybe she never loved him in the first place?”

Buying nice earrings would help me get over a deep grief or a betrayal.

Darth Waynebo agreed “money heals all wounds”

Jocelyn added “If truly loved him I would not get over it. Yet if he was seeing another it would make it easier to get over it”

Daniel Ravens shrugged “Harold says he thinks she is covering hurt so maybe.

Jocelyn was surprised at how easily folks told info like that. I will have to say it really isn't the best thing to do but it happened so now it needs to be dealt with I suppose

Colt was one of the suspects as well. We had planned to visit him. So we took the opportunity to travel to the Stables. The smell of fresh hay and oats greeted us. We entered to find Colt staring at the empty stalls.

He looked at us and in a sorrowful voice murmured, “Look at all the empty stalls Naw for me ta do .This one was used by Tara to calm the horses. I suppose you have heard the rumor about us?

It is true. I am in love with Tara. She’s good with the horses and she’s kind. She was even nice to Farley, most of the time.

YEA! I knew bout Tara and Farley ridin every week. I was naw happy bout their relations but what is a stable hand to do? I get antsy discussing my feelins. Suffice to say, I DID not like it.

Masta Blasta asked if he was jealous enough to Murder.

“Heck naw,” stammered Colt earnestly, “I really loved Tara. What was ‘portant to me was her happiness. Killing Farley would never have made Tara happy.”

Xarra says you know all about Farley and Marrianne’s scheme... a voice came from the far end of the barn.

“Poor Marrianne” replied Colt “She is broke now! She went to town to sell any assets she could”

“I would have thought L’il Min would be here.” Observed JINX

“Oh L’il Min used the third stall. She was here to gather her horses and arrange for burial. She has been at the Gazebo in Brit since. She is broken hearted”

“Let’s talk to Min.”

L'il Min Rideout was quietly meditating under the gazebo. She stood up when she saw us approach.

“oh my *sniff**sigh* hello: How are you all tonight?’

Charly Dont Surf smiled “Great thank you and you?”

L'il Min Rideout the jockey looked up. Her eyes were as pink as her riding silks. “ sad”

Sundina asked “WHY SAD”

L'il Min Rideout the jockey realized Sundina had not read about the horses on the Inn wall so explained “My dads horse and my horse, both dead *sob*: I just can not seem to get over it.”

Not that is matters. The perp is dead. Do you know who did it? Who killed Farley?

Charly Dont Surf shook her head “not yet”

*shakes head*”such a cheat he was! You know I am a really good Jockey. I trained all my life I used to ride in my dad's saddle when I was just a year old but everyone said women can't be jockeys.

Jocelyn comforted “but you are a woman and a jockey?

“That is why I wear my pink silks. Women are great Jockeys. We are lighter than most men so we can go faster. We don't weigh the horse down.

Jocelyn: *nods*

L'il Min Rideout the jockey: Marrianne, she is not a bad person but she should have known better.

Jocelyn asked “about what?”

Feeding horses sugar. She did give me a chance but to allow that sugar!

I hear she is trying to save her stable selling her assets*sniff* you know what she is selling??? *tear* horse hides she is at the tanners here

Charly Dont Surf was aghast “NO! Oh no!”

“It is all she has. They were our pets, our family: I buried my horses she'll not sell their hides still I hope she can save the track. I love to race shall we go see her

We asked “can you take us there where can we find her?”

JINX was shocked! “Marrianne!!”

L'il Min Rideout the jockey: *points there she is*

Marrianne *sniffed* “Hello I am trying to salvage any assets I have left.

With all my horses dead I am totally broke.

Yes I knew about the potion enhanced sugar. Farley knew too.

He was only too happy to let people think he was a brilliant Jockey.

His wins made him very popular with the bookies and the Ladies.

Yes he was seeing Xarra but rumour is Tara met him too.

Farley and I had an arrangement

It would not have been in Farley’s best interest to blab.

He was making too much money from this in exchange for keeping quiet.

That is everything I know. What more do you want?”

“Tara” I suggested.

Yes Tara! She is a nice girl, very good with the horses. If Tara had been at the paddock this might not have happened. I think she had a tiff with Colt. You would have to ask her.

I know this looks bad but it is all I have that I can use to save the track.

*shrug* maybe Cayne his bookie or Farriot his partner know something.

Daniel thought for a moment then asked if anyone had heard that Farriot and Farley were partners before? He asked if we should go and ask Farriot about this. He mumbled some magic words and a rift opened to the Farriot Thoroughbred retirement farm.

Lord Farriot was in the house putting on a bright red hunts coat. His gregarious personality greeted everyone.

“Back again! Glad you are still working this case. I am eager to find out who would kill Farley. He was a great guy.”

“Were you his partner? Did you make money with him?” we asked.

“I think a lot of people made money with Marianne’s scheme. Ask Cayne.

Cayne is the bookie. A lot more people came out to bet with Farley around.

I think you should ask Cayne if he would make more money with Farley dead!

He is banking in East Brit. He does not like to bank in busy places.

Love to chat more but there are foxes awaiting! Good hunting!”

With that he darted out of his house. Jumped on his horse and was off.

Cayne Padopocit was leaving the bank as we approached. He recognized us right away.

*waves* Hi I am just on my way to the theater .I am very excited, I am playing in the King's men Theater tonight. I hope Xarra comes again. We had a wonderful night after the last show. I get to be Farley. I enjoy portraying him. I think I understood his character.

Xarra said I was very realistic in my performance.

It was strange that he seemed obsessed with being Farley. I made a note of that and asked him about his book making. Did he make more money now that Farley was dead?

Money? Cayne Padopocit seemed surprised by the question. “I am a professional Book maker. Knocking off jockeys would not make me richer. I did not do well on Farley’s winning streak. I had to make the odds on him shorter than a foot stall. Too many people bet on him.

But don’t be ridiculous. I would never risk losing the cabin by giving losing odds.

I think Min was very upset that she lost so much. I would not put it past her to take matters into her own hands."

Cayne quickly left the bank area and left us behind to ponder over what he said. We then went back to the Serps Hall to discuss our new findings.

Daniel Ravens sighed, “I think we have a second motive tonight. I thought Money was the motive but I can see Jealousy can not be overlooked.

Daniel Ravens: we need to think about this. Who do you think is guilty?

“I think min did it” Decided Mum.” I think she has several reasons. She wants to be recognized as the best rider. She wants love life. She wants control over the way things are ran.

Many Agreed that she had motive, But Darth presented another possibility.

“I think they are all guilty let’s kill ‘em and let god sort them out. They all have something they are hiding.”

Daniel Ravens pointed out that we could not just stab them all, although it would be one solution. Then he spoke about Min. Min’s father was the best Jockey until he retired. Racing is hard on the body when one gets older. Min did follow in her father’s foot steps. She really was a better jockey than Farley.

Queen Mum pieced other thoughts together. “So in order to protect his 'title' wouldn’t she have even more reason to kill.

We have not had the opportunity to meet Min’s father. We would have to track him down.

I realized that we had not talked to Tara. Colt had mentioned she was in Skara so I head out on my own. She was seated on a stool in the councilor’s community center drinking a cool apple cider. I grabbed a cider and some cookies and sat down with her.

I heard about the Paddock. I wish I had been there. Maybe I could have calmed the horses. Although I must admit it had been getting harder and harder. I can’t believe Marrianne did that. Farley told me it was all her idea.

I asked her if she believed that or if she was just protecting her love?

“Farley!” She grinned “Oh I had a crush on him at first. He seemed to be a great Jockey. But I was upset to learn he was cheating. I often wondered why he did not ride well when we went for our weekly outings. They were all innocent of course. Farley told me all the gossip. I guess he found it easy to talk to me.”

I asked her about Colt.

“I was surprised to hear Colt was in love with me. He is so *shrug* farm boy. There is nothing wrong with that. I’m just saying he is more comfortable working with the animals.

She took a sip from her glass. I was Jealous of Xarra at first but then I found out that Farley was not nice. He had some Idea about how to care for the retired horses. I think he was working with Farriot. *acts uppity* Oh Lord Farriot! I never cared for old Farriot..

Tara seemed very calm so I asked her, “Who do you think killed Farley?”

She Sighed. “I do not know. Do you think it could have been an accident?”

In this week’s installment of the new items that will be available for purchase soon, we present the Raised Garden Bed and the Chest of Sending. While the chest will be associated with the Gothic Theme Pack, the garden bed will come with the Rustic Theme Pack.

The Raised Garden Bed is a maintenance-free gardening plot. Once setup in your garden and seed planted, in seven days you will have a healthy plant you can remove at any time.

The Chest of Sending will allow players to send stackable and non-stackable items from their home directly to their bank box. This item must be locked down in your home.

In addition, we are gearing up for TC in the very near future. Also, we are putting together the high-level document of the REAL additions to UO that will allow players to fill out the rest of the Magincia Bazaar area.

Last not least, please note … the fiction and event timeline for the history of Ter Mur is almost through development approval. We are really excited to reveal the origins of Zhah … and to fill out some of the new areas in Ter Mur.

Our next stop on the archive list is Christmas, Easter and Valentines day 2009 - 2010 EM Event Items!!!

For those of you wishing to collect Archive badges (Which went over better then I expected) There are (5) badges up for grabs and no limit to how many items you can send in. So if you have all of the 4th of July wands and send in the picture with the names you will be one of the only recipient(s) of the 4th of July badge.

Please post the Season number and name with the picture or the location of the item. If you can avoid uploading the picture as an attachment that would be great. If you do post as an attachment then I have to open UOFiddler and play "Guess My Hue Number" which takes a good amount of time. I will do my very best to keep track of who sends in item pictures but if I miss you simply send me a PM.

Lubku was enjoying a warm spring day in Vesper when suddenly dark clouds started to billow across the sky. Soon droplets of rain started falling and Lubku was getting all wet. She quickly ran into the nearest building. It was big and and wondrous. She walked up to the woman at the front door and asked what this great building was used for. The woman stared pointedly at her.She informed Lubku that it was a Museum and she was welcome to go downstairs and donate. Lubku was not sure why she needed to donate, or what. The woman sighed and told Lubku that the museum had recently been robbed and that the auxiliary were taking all types of donations to try to replace some of the treasures. Lubku wondered if it might not be better to report this to Bob or Amonos. She decided to look for them as soon as the rain stopped. Until then she wandered to the lower level and threw a couple coins into the museum coffer. The following day Lubku made her way to the Royal Guard Hall. She climbed the stairs and peeked into the office at the back. There sat Amonos. She related her story to him. He nodded and filled her in on some of the other Questionable activity. Amonos agreed to call the RBG and any other Citizens to look into the matter.

A decree is made Here Ye all Concerned Guards and Citizens. Meet at the Royal Guard Hall to get your Orders and assignments.Action must be taken to find the stolen goods. Meet On Saturday, May 7th 2011 at 5 PT 6 MT 7CT 8ET Be prepared for possible battle with the brigands or thieves who are responsible.

General Information The Hall Of Commons will also be used to start community wide projects such as Festivals or other community driven events. The floor will be open to announcements and discussions on all topics related to the Sonoma community. So if there is something you want to talk about, or an event you wish to announce feel free to bring it up during the meeting.

Announcements If you have something you would like to announce or discuss. You can contact the EMs on the EM website or post directly on the EM forums.

An unmistakable hum, sizzled along the edges of her nerves. Cool and crisp night air seems to swirl as if a cyclone were permanently surrounding the tiny space she was encapsulated within. She need not say the words aloud for the smooth stones to understand, but she did it anyway. Her tone soft and whispered she requested kindly what she wished to know.

“So mote it be.” Familiar, the words sealed the request. Her hands outstretched but cupped she turned them over, tossing them outward. Watching the stones she had cradled just a moment before scatter and tumble onto the kitchen floor she drew in a deep breath. Carved by hand, each symbol lay before her: turned, hidden, openly glaring. All she needed to do was listen to what they said.

Ultima Online uses runes a form of travel. We mark them, place them in books and use them for travel like our own form of Sossarian wide teleportation system. Occasionally, those of us with big enough bank boxes get a glowing rune and are thrilled as it is a fantastic decoration. While marking the runes and even giving them credit for a magical use is correct historically, it is an extremely limited use for these items.

Runes at the most basic level are a form of communication. They have been their own alphabet since before the first century. As with most languages The Elder Futhark, as the alphabet is called, does not correspond directly with every letter of the English alphabet. It corresponds with sounds. For example: Th, K (no c), ei, ng and more. Around the fifth century this changed with the invasions of the Anglo-Saxons north of Germany and thus the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc (the new name), came to be. Those changes included a number of new runes, including the letter c, oe and ea.

Those are the dry facts. While they were used for writing they were much more than that. Each rune had its own name, own identity and own meaning that stood alone from the rest. Rune symbols were scrawled on everything from money, to walls in the house. Most commoners knew how to read them and in fact depended on them. If a good harvest was requested the rune Jera would be written down either in the soil or on a stone and a ritual performed to invoke its abilities. If a new position were being started Berkano would be used. As this is the rune for new beginnings. Rituals were not always long drawn out either. Runes work very easily in brief requests. A single candle, a spoken word. Or if the idea is to bind what the rune represents, to keep it from happening you place the rune in a bag and tie it tightly then bury it or place it somewhere it will not be found or opened.

The most well known use for runes however is a form of divination or what's called casting. Casting in this context doesn't mean a spell really. It means taking your runes and tossing them in front of you onto a surface. Depending on how the runes lay (faceup, facedown, backward) is how you read the meanings of them. Similar to the way one would use Tarot cards, runes tend to be more personal and rely more on instinct than pictures. Since it's a symbol instead of a picture you have to rely more on what your gut thinks they are telling you and less on what the lines themselves draw.

All of these uses can be effectively portrayed in game no matter your template. Runes do not require one to be a mage to use them. They didn't historically either. Again, commoners used them the most. If nobility wanted something divined they would call in a professional, someone from the kingdom who was well trained in this, even a healer. Your normal every day Butcher and his wife made their own.

If interested in getting runes in the world we live in now you can purchase these online or in any Metaphysical shop. By far though, handmade stones are more personal and more in tune to you as a person. They are also inexpensive to make.

We have suffered many dark days these last few months, but have persevered. Yet, with the loss of our dear Queen we find ourselves leaderless and vulnerable. The time for mourning this loss has passed, and it is now time to look to the future and determine who the duty of government should fall to. To this end a council has been called, and nobles from all of the realm’s towns are expected to convene at Castle Britannia four nights from now.

Let us look to a future guided by the Virtues, and lived with a security that the people of the realm deserve.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You understand why this has me a little concerned, Lieutenant?” Commander Kanlocke questioned her second in command.

“Aye. A closed meeting called by an anonymous source in order to determine who shall rule the kingdom,” Lieutenant Jeffrey answered, “I can see the cause for concern. What are you going to do?”

“What can I do? We have no King, no Queen, and no legitimate ruling council,” she answered, “And we are here to protect the people, but not to decide how they should be ruled,” she continued.

Jeffrey nodded. “What are your orders then?”

“Send out a call for all available Guards and volunteers. There will likely be a crowd in Britain the likes of which we have not seen in some time. I hope whomever is responsible for this effort has noble intentions, but we cannot simply assume such, nor can we assume there won’t be any external interference. We will be there to fulfill our duty and stand guard.”

Several of you have expressed interest in being part of the organizing committee for the upcoming Skara Brae Fair Grounds bazaar/festival. I would like to hold an in-game meeting this coming Wednesday evening at 8:15 PM PST at the EM hall. The meeting will be exploratory in nature to hammer out few details about the bazaar/festival.

Three nights have passed since a mob of Citizens - gathering at the Good Eats in Britain - confronted Chef Wolfgang for his alleged involvement in the Plague spread across the north.

Wolfgang claimed to have no knowledge of the pandemic - convinient that he would begin his vacation the week of the outbreak - which left most unconvinced. He was - however - quick to provide the names and locations of his suppliers which earned him a short reprieve.

After following several leads - including performing favors for the corrupt caravan master Ash Campbell - Citizens were able to divine that the grain had come from the Farm of John and Alma Winchester of Northern Britain.

The Winchesters were not home when the mob arrived and have thus far eluded all attempts to discover their location.

In other news it is rumored that Campbell - under contract with the Britannian Government - will begin shipping surplus crops and vegitables to the Bazaars of Magincia.

1. You have been assigned to Baja for more than 2 Years now. What are your general impressions of Baja as a Shard and a Community? How has it changed?

I am clearly biased, but Baja has a very mature community. It has a good amount of a population to keep things lively. I never worry about people going out of their way to grieve others during an event. The import of this might not be easy for players to grasp, but it allows an EM to create experiences that would not be possible otherwise.

While Baja has an active community that labels itself as role-players, the general population also appreciates the notion of immersive play. This holds true even for the murderers (reds) on Baja who have often role-played in a dynamic EM story-line. Positive feedback and cooperation of this type only serves to encourage and motivate us.

In terms of changes, I think there is a greater awareness of the EM program and how it functions.

2. What is your favorite type of character to play?

To be fair, I really have not had a whole lot of time to play my normal characters since becoming an EM. I have always been partial towards playing a mage. Although, I have had almost all types of characters except a tamer because taking care of pets (pre-bonding and summoning ball days) always stressed me out.

3. What is your favorite type of character to roleplay?

As an Event moderator, I prefer playing characters that are not of a high station. The main reason being that generally higher rank (good or evil) goes hand in hand with greater authority and power. Often, this does not translate so well in practice. For example, if some petty mage slapped Virtuebane, I should be able to smite him or her to smithereens; instead, I have to shrug it off as trivial. That can be frustrating at times. On the other hand, a character of no or low station (guard recruit, a vagrant, etc.) provides for a greater flexibility!

The above preference also holds true for when I am on my play-account. In that case, I can choose to role-play only with people who will follow pre-established guidelines. As an event moderator, that is not a reasonable course of action by any means.

4. What playstyles do you engage in? PvM? PvP? RP? Factions? RPvP?

I have engaged in several different types of playstyles – may it be a non-faction PvP’er, a merchant, a spawn thief, or a beggar.

5. What is the best part about being an EM?

There are many perks to being an EM. The best part for me is that it lets me do something creative, and novel. It can be an extremely challenging job in more than one way, but also quite fun. Not that it was asked, but the worst part of being an EM is not having enough time to implement all of your ideas.

6. What is your favorite event you've hosted thus far?

To be honest, I do not necessarily have a single event that I think is my favorite. A lot of my favorite moments are from during the Casca regime – but since that arc was so well connected, it is difficult to pick things out separately.

More recently, I greatly enjoyed the event where everyone RP’d being an Orc to attack Gideon’s fort. Also, the very first Capture the Fort event was quite exciting. When the first batch of players discovered the bane camp and saw what they would be facing – that was also another exciting moment. Going back bit further, the Gargish prophecy mini-arc events were also great fun.

In general, events that lead to an enhanced player interaction are the ones that are most fun. I like to observe what players are doing/talking about and go off on a tangent from that. I am not a big fan of stories that seemingly play out in a glass house, not touched by the world around it. Yet, sometimes things do tend to play out in that manner.

Lord Casca, although not quite as historical, was a superb character. Only thing that went against him is that powers to be had spilled the beans of his true intentions even before his ascension. From an EM perspective, he easily inspired many excellent events. Juo’nar gets a nod only because, from what I understand, seers were able to attack players on that character – something I hope to be able to do one of these days :-P

8. Your own favorite RPC?

Although I was grossly sick of her by the end of it, I will always have a special attachment towards Aino Nystad. It was through her eyes that I was introduced to Baja. I have also greatly enjoyed playing William the guard, Casca’s puppy Bartalbe, Kullervo Nystad, and A Hooded Stranger in the past.

9. Do you think it has been difficult to accommodate the different needs of Baja citizens compared to what you hear EMs have to deal with on other shards? Are Baja folks more demanding in any particular way? And if so, does rising to these demands make for a more challenging and rewarding result, or is just a hassle you'd rather not deal with? (No worries, no names named, be brutally honest!)

To be brutally honest, the day when being an Event Moderator becomes a hassle is the day I will be having a goodbye party. I must admit that it is increasingly difficult to innovate, in order to hold the attention of the players. But, I don’t believe that is a shard specific issue. For the most part, it requires thinking out-of-the-box. Also, we have been allowed greater freedom and newer tools to work with as the program matures. That is enough to keep me excited personally.

10. Sergeant Raynier was placed in the Great Council Chamber of Castle Britannia along with a book to allow us to communicate with the Queen and the Britannian Government IC. Is this still being used?

Negative. Sergeant Raynier is obsolete at the moment. Anything related to Britannian government is on hold till the near future.

11. A year ago a rumor system was announced in conjunction with the NPCs to deliver hints about future and current storylines. Will this be used again in the future?

Maybe. Things were bit different a year ago. Having Casca as a ruler allowed for an environment where rumormongering would be quite common in Britain. A goody two-shoes Queen like Dawn makes it more difficult. But, one would expect rumor mills to spring back in action during the times of political instability!

12. McDonalds has a 50pc Chicken McNuggets deal for just $10. Buy us a few boxes?

Sorry to disappoint, but I happen to be a vegetarian.

13. Your Guiltiest Pleasure? (...aside from killing us.)

Let’s be crystal clear about one thing: I never feel guilty for killing you guys.

Going back to the question, I did feel guilty when I had Bartalbe the puppy killed. I suspected very early on that I will have to kill the puppy – so, it was with a fair bit of guilt I licked, woofed, and wagged it’s tail over the coming months. The manner in which the death took place was quite emotional, and I felt guilty for the sorrow it was bound to cause. At the same time, being able to incite real emotions was an amazing experience.

14. Team Yattering or Team Brackus?

Considering that little demon lied and got me killed by Mesanna, I will have to go with Team Brackus!! However, I will have you know that me and Yattering have joined forces to bring Brackus back from whatever mission he has been off to!

Are your shoes worn thin from traveling from town to town? Is your voice hoarse and sore from speaking with citizens across Britannia? Have a knack for putting pen to paper and writing an excellent story? Then perhaps the UO Stratics News Page is the place where you can not only show off your talent but also help bring the community together with interesting, exciting stories and news items about your shard and her citizens.

UO Stratics is currently looking for active, talented citizens of Sosaria to add to our crack team of top-notch Ultima Online reporters.

As a volunteer you are required to:

* Be a competent writer * Be an active, knowledgeable member of the community * Be willing to attend events and quests, interview VIPs, report news of interest to the community * Be able to dedicate a minimum of three hours per week to writing and/or posting news items * Have a familiarity with basic HTML * Be pro-active

Does the above describe you? Then what are you waiting for??? Apply... right now... do not hesitate! Simply fill out this brief questionnaire and fire off an e-mail to [email protected] with “(Your Shard Name) Reporter Application" as the subject.

1. Real name 2. Contact e-mail address 3. ICQ, AIM, MSN number (if applicable) 4. Stratics username and character name (this must be the character name you will be reporting with and must be able to join the Stratics guild). 5. Rate your HTML knowledge from 1-10, where 1 is poor and 10 is phenomenal 6. Answer this: Why do you wish to be a shard reporter for UO Stratics? 7. Include a brief writing sample, no more than 500 words (no attachments) 8. Any questions???

Are your shoes worn thin from traveling from town to town? Is your voice hoarse and sore from speaking with citizens across Britannia? Have a knack for putting pen to paper and writing an excellent story? Then perhaps the UO Stratics News Page is the place where you can not only show off your talent but also help bring the community together with interesting, exciting stories and news items about your shard and her citizens.

UO Stratics is currently looking for active, talented citizens of Sosaria to add to our crack team of top-notch Ultima Online reporters.

As a volunteer you are required to:

* Be a competent writer * Be an active, knowledgeable member of the community * Be willing to attend events and quests, interview VIPs, report news of interest to the community * Be able to dedicate a minimum of three hours per week to writing and/or posting news items * Have a familiarity with basic HTML * Be pro-active

Does the above describe you? Then what are you waiting for??? Apply... right now... do not hesitate! Simply fill out this brief questionnaire and fire off an e-mail to [email protected] with “(Your Shard Name) Reporter Application" as the subject.

1. Real name 2. Contact e-mail address 3. ICQ, AIM, MSN number (if applicable) 4. Stratics username and character name (this must be the character name you will be reporting with and must be able to join the Stratics guild). 5. Rate your HTML knowledge from 1-10, where 1 is poor and 10 is phenomenal 6. Answer this: Why do you wish to be a shard reporter for UO Stratics? 7. Include a brief writing sample, no more than 500 words (no attachments) 8. Any questions???

Are your shoes worn thin from traveling from town to town? Is your voice hoarse and sore from speaking with citizens across Britannia? Have a knack for putting pen to paper and writing an excellent story? Then perhaps the UO Stratics News Page is the place where you can not only show off your talent but also help bring the community together with interesting, exciting stories and news items about your shard and her citizens.

UO Stratics is currently looking for active, talented citizens of Sosaria to add to our crack team of top-notch Ultima Online reporters.

As a volunteer you are required to:

* Be a competent writer * Be an active, knowledgeable member of the community * Be willing to attend events and quests, interview VIPs, report news of interest to the community * Be able to dedicate a minimum of three hours per week to writing and/or posting news items * Have a familiarity with basic HTML * Be pro-active

Does the above describe you? Then what are you waiting for??? Apply... right now... do not hesitate! Simply fill out this brief questionnaire and fire off an e-mail to [email protected] with “(Your Shard Name) Reporter Application" as the subject.

1. Real name 2. Contact e-mail address 3. ICQ, AIM, MSN number (if applicable) 4. Stratics username and character name (this must be the character name you will be reporting with and must be able to join the Stratics guild). 5. Rate your HTML knowledge from 1-10, where 1 is poor and 10 is phenomenal 6. Answer this: Why do you wish to be a shard reporter for UO Stratics? 7. Include a brief writing sample, no more than 500 words (no attachments) 8. Any questions???

Are your shoes worn thin from traveling from town to town? Is your voice hoarse and sore from speaking with citizens across Britannia? Have a knack for putting pen to paper and writing an excellent story? Then perhaps the UO Stratics News Page is the place where you can not only show off your talent but also help bring the community together with interesting, exciting stories and news items about your shard and her citizens.

UO Stratics is currently looking for active, talented citizens of Sosaria to add to our crack team of top-notch Ultima Online reporters.

As a volunteer you are required to:

* Be a competent writer * Be an active, knowledgeable member of the community * Be willing to attend events and quests, interview VIPs, report news of interest to the community * Be able to dedicate a minimum of three hours per week to writing and/or posting news items * Have a familiarity with basic HTML * Be pro-active

Does the above describe you? Then what are you waiting for??? Apply... right now... do not hesitate! Simply fill out this brief questionnaire and fire off an e-mail to [email protected] with “(Your Shard Name) Reporter Application" as the subject.

1. Real name 2. Contact e-mail address 3. ICQ, AIM, MSN number (if applicable) 4. Stratics username and character name (this must be the character name you will be reporting with and must be able to join the Stratics guild). 5. Rate your HTML knowledge from 1-10, where 1 is poor and 10 is phenomenal 6. Answer this: Why do you wish to be a shard reporter for UO Stratics? 7. Include a brief writing sample, no more than 500 words (no attachments) 8. Any questions???

It is about time to kick off this year’s Britainnian Games! As always, teams will be facet based. We are changing up the events a good bit for 2011, particularly the crafting/mule competitions, so come on out for the fun!

We’ll get a more definite list of future events up soon, but lets start this Friday off with a thief event. All thieves should meet at Vesper bank, Fel (of course), where the rules will be explained in detail. The thief with the quickest fingers will win! “Thieves” without snooping will not be able to participate, though you may get lucky with low skill or human JOAT.

On Saturday look forward to the Naked Dungeon Run Relay. That’s right, relay! We’re spicing up the ol’ naked dungeon run concept, and it should be a blast!

Who will take the medal count this year? Last year Trammel brought in 3 Gold, 5 Silver, and 2 Bronze for the overall win. Ilshenar, tied with Fel for 2nd overall, brought in a whopping 5 gold medals, but still fell short. It is anyone’s guess who could come out on top for 2011.

Want to go hunting but don't have a big enough group? Are you looking for good guides to dungeons you've yet to explore?

The community hunts are open to everyone! Come show your support for the Lake Superior community and take a walk on the wild side at the same time. Meet some new and old friends and have a bit of a challenge along the way. Gathering of Proof - Abyss quest (part 1)Date: Tuesday, May 3rdTime: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: Skara Brae Community Center - located next to the bank Host: Taeara Mi'Aken

Community Peerless Hunt Date: Wednesday, May 4thTime: 8:00PM CST Starting Location: Skara Brae Community Center - located next to the bankHost: Taeara Mi'Aken

Dudley will be on vacation from 5/13 through 5/21. All correspondence will be replied to following his return Sunday May 1st @ 9pm ET, Hall of Commons Meeting at the Hall of Commons This weekly meet and greet allows players to meet with the EM team and bring up questions, concerns, and issues, as well as for the EM team and players alike to make announcements regarding upcoming events. Thursday, May 5th @ 9pm ET, Royal Guard Depot @ Serpent's Hold, Royal Guard Assembly Royal Guard Uniforms and Promotions will be distributed during this event.

This will be the Felucca based start to the "Paws" event arc. Be prepared for combat and puzzles. Also remember that Felucca offers the chance for PvP. Be prepared to fend off murderers and thieves! Monday, May 9th @ 8:30pm ET, Gate from Luna, "Secrets of the Swamp - Trammel" This will be the Trammel based start to the "Paws" event arc. Be prepared for combat and puzzles.

Tuesday, May 10th @ 9pm ET, Lord Balandar's Estate in Moonglow, "The Nemesis Stone" This is a continuation of the Nemesis Stone event arc for Malas and Tokuno based townships. Be prepared for combat.

Wednesday, May 11th @ 8pm ET, Lord Balandar's Estate in Moonglow, "The Nemesis Stone" This is a continuation of the Nemesis Stone event arc for Trammel based townships. Be prepared for combat.

Sunday, May 15th @ 9pm ET, Hall of Commons Meeting at the Hall of Commons

Monday, May 16th @ 8pm ET, Royal Guard Depot at Serpent's Hold, "Royal Guard Exercises" Royal Guard units are called to Serpent's Hold for combat games and exercises.

This is the start of a fishing tournament that will last through most of the summer. The targeted catch will be crabs and lobsters, with opportunities for combat able crews to hunt larger marine crustaceans to earn bonus points. More details will be available as this event draws nearer.

The epic conclusion of the Nemesis Stone arc! Be prepared for...anything!

All events, dates, and times are subject to change. All times Eastern. A gate to every event is provided from the Luna Bank. EM Event channels will always have that date listed in the "Date Event Name" format.

We met in the throne room of Castle British to prepare for the evening's event. Old friends greeted one another with warm welcomes and lively chatter. Soon, the event would begin. We knew it had something to do with the miners but what was to greet us tonight.

The Sargent of Arms appeared at the gathering to explain. Evidently, the miners were having problems with thievery at their mining sites. He asked us if we would be willing to go with him and investigate the situation. Adding to interest, he explained that there were magical creatures invading the mining sites and speculation grew. Would there be blackrock monsters to battle? What would this bring us?

The gate was opened and we poured through it to the mining site. Soon we were in the midst of chaos. Rising Colossus was spawning quickly at the site but the warriors and mages began their battle. We unleashed a strong defense. Chain lightening and EV's flooded the area and this began the first round of battle. The monsters were abundant and I feared we would be overcome. Then the poison fences and energy walls entrapped the Colossus and the valiant hunters soon defeated this terrible spawn.

But what was this? The mighty gargoyle Lem'Klep asked in astonishment. “What were we doing at this site?" The Sargent of Arms explained we were merely there to investigate the news of thievery of the miner's treasures. But he then accused us of thievery. This debate continued for some time but we made our way into the mine to continue our mission of investigation.

Inside the mine, we observed many crates strewn about and Lem'Klep continued to protest our presence. No amount of explanation from the Sargent would change his mind and he invited us to take what we wanted. But then a giant Hydra appeared and again we went to battle. This Hydra was taken in short order. We examined the empty crates and looted the Hydra. Lem"klep continued with his protests and then fled. The troops followed in close pursuit but alas the gargoyle vanished.

We gathered on the lawn by the trail to the mine and speculation grew. Gargoyles were known for carrying and making things with magical properties. Perhaps Lem'Klep had the miner’s goods. Perhaps he had taken the goods and deposited them on the plains where they were in good keeping. We were left with the feelings of confusion and curiosity. What would happen with this mystery?